Trade your gently used books for something new! Meet other readers, get recommendations, and enjoy tasty treats. Also, come meet our new Greenwood neighbor organization, Books for Prisoners. They will be on hand to accept book and cash donations and tell you about the work they do. Check out what kinds of books they need.

Five genres are a part of the Book Exchange:

• Mysteries
• Science fiction
• Fantasy
• Kids’ books
• Cookbooks

Bring in gently used books you don’t want anymore (only the genres listed above, please). You will receive one ticket for each paperback and two tickets for each hardback. then use your tickets to “buy” more books: paperbacks cost one ticket, hardbacks cost two.

Don’t have books to exchange or want to buy more than you brought in? Purchase paperbacks for $1 and hardbacks for $2.

Saturday February 22, 11:00am – 2:00pm ~ Free
Phinney Center Blue Building, 6532 Phinney Ave N

Join Lady A and Friends for a trip down memory lane in Black History as she shares her musical journey from Gospel, Soul and blues as only she can.

Come be encouraged through music, to be inspired by the people you share this musical space with, and come prepared to share a laugh and a hug from returning and new audience members as we look at the past, visualize our future and Celebrate Black History Month.

Call (206)789-1621 for reservations

Saturday February 22, 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Egan’s Ballard Jam House, 1707 NW Market St.

#BHMCelebrationInMusic
#LadyABluesSoulFunkGospelArtist
#IAmBlackHistory

It’s time again for the much-anticipated Ladies Night at our local hardware shop on Greenwood. As stated, this event is not just for ladies but “all other humans” as well. Spend the evening with the Greenwood Hardware staff, mingling, eating, drinking and getting some great products at a great discount.

Friday February 21, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Greenwood Hardware, 7201 Greenwood Ave N

Chinta (CHEEN-tuh), a female orangutan at Woodland Park Zoo, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, one day shy of her 52^nd birthday. She was the oldest animal currently living at Woodland Park Zoo and one of the oldest orangutans in North America.

Chinta was the last remaining animal born at Woodland Park Zoo in the 1960s who had lived at the zoo her entire lifetime. Chinta and her late twin brother Towan (toe-WAHN) were born in February 1968 at Woodland Park Zoo. Towan passed away in 2016.

Worldwide, Chinta and Towan gained instant celebrity status as the first-known twin orangutans born in a zoo. Photos of the pair as infants appeared around the globe, including in “Life” magazine. While other twins have since been born, twin orangutan births are still a rare occurrence.

Human overpopulation, logging, agriculture, conversion of forests to unsustainable monocultures, and other human activities are rapidly destroying forest environments required by orangutans for survival. This palm oil guide features companies that are committed to sourcing certified, sustainable palm oil: www.zoo.org/palmoil.

Visit https://www.zoo.org/orangutans to learn more about saving orangutans.

February is Black History Month! In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

This Sunday, we will celebrate and honor this annual observance in our community with the inaugural Black History Month Celebration in the PNA’s Brick Building Community Hall. All are welcome to this kid-friendly affair, which will feature keynote speaker Alicia Crank of the YMCA, performances by the Northside Step Team (pictured) and JHP Legacy African Dance, refreshments, and more.

Black History Month Celebration
Sunday February 23, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Phinney Center Brick Building, Community Hall
All are welcome to this free event

The GCC has two transportation topics that affect Phinney-Greenwood this month. Attending their Tuesday meeting will give you an idea of their importance and how you can make a difference because they are at a point in their processes where that is still possible.

Greenwood Community Council February Meeting
Tuesday February 18, 7:00 pm
Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N

Agenda:
7:00: Intro and Announcements
7:05: North Link Connections Mobility Project: Metro will present their preliminary proposals to reconfigure the north end bus network once Link light rail opens to Northgate in 2021. Routes 355 and 45 would be changed, and a new route would connect Greenwood to Northgate and Lake City.
7:50: N 83rd St. Greenway and Safety Improvements: Seattle SDOT staff will describe work underway to design and construct a greenway on N 83rd St. connecting Greenwood to Green Lake by bicycle for those who prefer riding on streets with less traffic. A new crosswalk signal would be installed at 83rd and Greenwood. Safety improvements in the area will also be described. (More information on the SDOT website).
8:25: Next Steps
8:30: Adjourn

More on Proposed Metro Changes:
Metro is using the introduction of light rail as a catalyst for major network changes throughout their service area to promote high frequency routes and relying on transferring to reach more destinations. Metro’s proposed changes affecting Greenwood include:

• Starting route 45 in Greenwood rather that in Loyal Heights, and using 80th instead of 85th east of Greenwood Ave. Route 45 buses would begin and end on 3rd W where the 5X ends now. Route 45 riders headed to Loyal Heights would need to transfer, and there are concerns about long waits to cross Aurora on 80th.
• Eliminating route 355 and route 5 express, replacing both with new route 16, that runs the current 5X route but extended north to N 130th St. The 355 would no longer serve 85th St. or Roosevelt Way in the University District; those riders would take route 45. Route 355 riders to Shoreline CC would take local route 5.
• Adding a new cross-town route 61 beginning in Loyal Heights and connecting to Northgate and Lake City. This route would follow the 45 route on 85th, but then turn north to serve North Seattle College, connect to Link at Northgate, then continue to Lake City – connecting Greenwood to new destinations across north Seattle. 

Please give some thought to whether you would use buses more frequently if they went to the places you need to go, and how these changes would affect you. Greenwood has chimed in previously hoping for direct connections to proximate destinations in Ballard and Fremont.

Treat yourself to an evening of good Washington wines, good food, and good friends. Enjoy tastes from Seattle urban wineries, and of course, wineries from Eastern Washington and Woodinville.

Visit the wine store at the event and purchase wines from smaller wineries and vineyards whose wine is not readily available in Seattle. Proceeds from the wine store benefit the programs and activities of the PNA.

Admission to the Wine Taste includes ten tastes of wine, elegant hors d’oeuvres, and music. Come celebrate Washington wines with friends, neighbors, and fellow wine enthusiasts! Get Tickets Here

$25 PNA members – Learn about  PNA membership / sign up
$30 General Public
$10 Designated Driver
21+ only event

Volunteers are needed – More information here
Facebook event: Invite fellow wine lovers!

Participating Wineries

Animnale
Avennia: 2017 Oliane, 2017 Lydian GSM, 2017 Lydian Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Le Corbeau Syrah
Bayernmoor: 2017 Chardonnay, 2017 Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2017 Klipsun Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Crucible
Devium: 2017 French Creek Red Wine, 2018 French Creek Vineyard Mourvèdre “Sans Soufre”
Eight Bells Winery: 2018 Chardonnay – Boushey Vineyard, 2015 Eight Clones Syrah – Red Willow Vineyard, 2015 David’s Block – Red Willow Vineyard, 2016 Old Salt (Super Tuscan) – Red Willow Vineyard
Fall Line Winery: 2016 Fall Line Exhibition, 2016 Fall Line Cirque, 2016 Fall Line Vertical
Glacier View Cellars: 2017 Cabfranc Rosé, 2018 Gruner Veltliner, 2015 Lake 22 Red Blend, 2016 Red Mountain Syrah
Kilckitat Canyon Winery: Organic Chardonnay, Organic Grass Widow Rosé, Organic Marechal Foch, Organic Syrah, Organic Tempranillo
Nota Bene: 2018 MCM Divinia Rosè, 2016 MCM Terrifica Grenache, 2015 MCM Syrah, 2015 :NB Syrah, 2015 :NB Red Blend 
Owen Roe: 2016 Yakima Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015 Yakima Valley Merlot, 2017 Abbot’s Table Red Blend
Terra Blanca Winery
Treveri
Two Mountain Winery: 2018 Rosé, 2018 Lemberger, 2017 Syrah

Did you know that 70% of Americans qualify for free tax prep services by IRS-certified volunteers?

This tax season, United Way of King County’s free tax preparation services are a convenient resource available to you, your family members, and your community! Tax time can be stressful and expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. Come take advantage of this free service at one of the 33 convenient locations throughout King County or online and maximize your refund today! Now through April 18^th, households making under $66,000 can have their taxes prepared by a certified tax preparer and get connected to other community resources and public benefits. 

There are two easy ways to file:

Online

With no income limit this year, you can file your taxes online for free with United Way’s ‘My Free Taxes’ tool at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.

In-Person 

File your taxes in-person at one of 33 locations throughout King County. Locations have convenient hours to meet your schedule, and no appointments are needed. To find a location near you, languages available, a list of what to bring, and other details, visit United Way’s website at www.FreeTaxExperts.org or call 2-1-1.

Are you looking for a welcoming and active after-school program for your 3rd-6th grade girl this Spring (March 2 – May 18)? Girls on the Run is hosting teams at these non-school locations:

*Super Jock n Jill Running Store in Greenlake (M/W 4-5:30PM)
*Phinney Neighborhood Association (M/W 4:30-6PM)
*STRENGTH Studio in Montlake (T/TH 6-7:30PM)

Girls on the Run is non-competitive and focuses on developing life skills in our girls to help them become strong leaders. These are community-based teams, any girl can join from any school or homeschool, so it is a great opportunity for your girl to meet new friends.

Cost is based on a sliding scale, full and partial scholarships provided with no questions asked. You simply pay what you are able within the registration form.

Sign your girl up here and learn more and register at www.girlsrun.org

Do you know a teen preparing for college?  Dr. Mark Hofer helps students find, get admitted to, and graduate from great colleges and universities that will best serve their academic, social, financial, and personal needs.  He guides students and their families through the application and admissions process to identify the best colleges while maintaining a focus on graduating with as little debt as possible.

This seminar is most helpful for parents of freshmen and sophomore high school students to get them started but is also helpful for families with juniors.  Join Dr. Hofer at this FREE introductory talk for college-bound high school students and their parents/guardians. Seminar is free, no RSVP necessary!

Thursday February 13, 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

Come join the Ballard High School PTSA Thursday, February 13th at 7pm for an engaging talk with parent educator Jody McVittie, MD, CPDLT. Jody left her personal practice in 1996 to work as a lead trainer with the Positive Discipline Association and founded Sound Discipline in 2007.

Jody will be speaking about how to navigate the terrain of getting kids ready for life after graduation. Not about academics, but all the other aspects of life that your kids need to function in the real world after they leave home

How will they organize their life? From keeping fresh clothes at hand to feeding themselves more than ramen noodles, not overcharging their accounts to handling the social emotional field. Focus will be on the “many loose ends that we so often step in for them, and finding out together with interactive role play and conversation.

Refreshments will be served, all are welcome – please join us!

For questions or additional information, please contact Anne Siems (annesiemsart@gmail.com)

Thursday February 13, 7pm
Ballard High School Library – 1418 NW 65th St

Ken’s Market has opened a fun contest for all you talented neighborhood artists: to design their new store t-shirt. First place is $250 cash prize and the winning design will be turned into Ken’s Market T-shirts with the artist’s name credited. Shirts will be worn by employees and sold in-store with all proceeds going to the Greenwood Family Works Food Bank.

All designs must include the word “Ken’s Market” and be family friendly. Deadline is March 31, and you can apply by emailing your design to greenwood@kensmarket.com with the subject line “2020 Design Contest.”

The beloved Ballard P-Patch, which has been under the threat of development for more than a year, has agreed to a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the property that Our Redeemers Lutheran Church is selling. This officially begins the process of protecting the half acre of open space from development. The ultimate aim would be to convert the property to a conservation easement, securing it as garden space in perpetuity.

With the agreement in place, the P-Patch can now secure a loan to make the $1.95 million purchase, closing in July. They would then have about 2 years to pay off the loan from a combination of public and private funds. Save Ballard P-Patch fundraising continues, but now with a concrete plan and timeframe, and a specific amount – about $450,000 expected from individual donations.

You can help! Thanks to a matching grant from Groundswell NW, Ballard P-Patch donations made between now and March 31 will be matched, up to $5,000. You can donate here.

Also, on March 17 – St Patrick’s Day – Populuxe Brewery is hosting a fund-raiser for the campaign. $1 per pint sold will be donated and the Ballard gnomes will be on hand to talk about the project as well as selling t-shirts and pint glasses. 

As a part of the new KinderReminder project – from the brains behind our beloved Gumshoe 5K – entries are now being accepted for a Power of Kindness (POK) video. Eligible for Seattle middle or high school student, the idea is to create a short video—three minutes or less—showing the power of kindness.

Videos will be evaluated based on the kindness they inspire in the friends, neighbors and business owners. Members of this group will vote for their three most inspiring videos and the top three vote getters will each win an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, worth $600.

To enter, directors must:

• Be a Seattle middle or high school student
• Post your video to YouTube
• Email your YouTube link, name, age, school and contact phone number to POK@KinderReminder.org.
• Do all this before May 1, 2020, and you’re entered!

Winners will be announced June 7, 2020, and links to the winning videos with winners’ names, ages and schools will be posted to this page to inspire 2021 contest entrants.

The Bar Method, a boutique barre-based fitness studio, is set to open in the heart of Phinney Ridge this spring. They will offer personalized group fitness classes incorporate interval based strength training, cardio, and strategic stretching sequences in a “lively and inclusive atmosphere.”

The Phinney Ridge studio is co-owned by two local women, both senior Bar Method instructors with a combined eight years of teaching experience: Kat Conlon, a former private equity professional and paralegal, and Mari Neubauer a political consultant and model.

All Bar Method instructors undergo rigorous and ongoing training that includes lessons in anatomy, musicality, and hands-on adjustments – something that is not the norm in this growing industry. The Bar Method’s signature technique was created under the guidance of physical therapists to ensure a “safe, challenging, and effective workout that tones all major muscle groups and improves flexibility,” according to their press release.

The studio will offer a variety of 45 and 60-minute class formats in the morning, afternoon and evening seven days a week; infant and toddler childcare; amenities including a shower, beauty bar, and towel service; athleisure and accessory retail offerings; and community partnerships and events.

Follow the studio’s buildout on Instagram @barmethodphinneyridge and on Facebook @thebarmethodseattlephinneyridge. Learn more and sign up for updates at: barmethod.com/locations/seattle-phinney-ridge

The Bar Method Seattle – Phinney Ridge
6726 Greenwood Ave North, Suite B
Seattle, WA 98103
✉ phinneyridge@barmethod.com

Want to learn more about Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op (PNPC)? Join us for the upcoming Red Room Open House for Parent/Infant, Toddlers, Two’s, and Multi-Age Classes.

Families will have an opportunity to learn about the co-op preschool program: you can meet teachers, mingle with current co-op families, learn about curriculum, and explore classrooms. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For details and to RSVP, please email the school registrar (pnpc.info@gmail.com) with your name, child’s name, and date of birth.

Saturday February 8, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Phinney Center Blue Building, Lower floor

The Seattle Adoptee Speaker Series was created by Astrid Castro, a personal consultant specializing in adoption related topics. In her consulting practice she seeks to create a safe and honest place to dialogue and educate the complexities of adoption. February’s theme is Adoptees and Relationships with Partners, Dating, and/or Choosing to be Self Partnered.

• How does being adopted play-out in your decisions with romantic relationships?
• What do/did you look for in a partner?
• When do you tell a potential partner you are adopted?
• Have/do you date adoptees?
• If you’re a transracial adoptee, do/did you have racial preferences in terms of dating?
• If you are self-partnered (a conscious decision to not be in a romantic relationship) what role does your adoption have if any in this decision?

Seattle Adoptee Speaker Series: Relationships
Saturday February 8, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Phinney Neighborhood Association, Room 3 – 6532 Phinney Ave N
Tickets ($10) can be purchased here

The Seattle Area German American School on 110th and Greenwood invites you to a costume party for children and adults of all ages with music, games, crafts, food, and drinks.

The event – Kinderfasching (“Children’s Carnival”) – will occur on Saturday, February 8 from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Entrance fee is $6 with a reservation and $8 at the door, and includes entertainment, crafts, a donut, and drinks. Children up to 2 years old enter for free.

Please RSVP here. Questions? Email info@sagaschool.org or call 206-442-2023.

Seattle Area German-American School – Kinderfasching 2020
11010 Greenwood Ave N
Saturday February 8, 2:00 – 5:00pm

Rachel Ries, the writer, multi-instrumentalist and producer behind Her Crooked Heart, is back in town and performing musical soliloquies on “love, leaving and the life that follows after burning it all down.” With To Love To Leave To Live (May 2019), Her Crooked Heart presented a debut record made up of cyclical narratives and intertwining histories, each informing the next.

“Rachel Ries has a sensibility as familiar and comforting as it is surprising. At one turn, she’s got the vocal prowess of Tori Amos; at another, the complexity of a Radiohead tune.” – Amy Reitnouer, Executive Director, The Bluegrass Situation

Saturday February 8, 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Phinney Center Concert Hall, Brick Building
6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle
Buy Tickets online or 1-800-838-3006

Want to grow older in the community you love and live in? Please join your neighbors for high tea and an engaging Q&A about a growing PNA program designed to help elders stay in their homes as they age. 

The PNA Village provides social engagement, business referrals, and matches seniors with local volunteers who assist with various household tasks (the photo is of a volunteer helping a Village member shovel snow) and transportation. The program empowers neighbors to celebrate and support their elders.  The Village would love to have you join in aging in community. 

PNA Village Tea and Q&A
Thursday February 6, 1 – 2 PM
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85^th Street
Questions? 206-789-1217

In a uniquely Seattle phenomenon, there are more people seeking composted animal feces than there is supply, and it needs to be distributed through a lottery system. Legendary in the Seattle gardening community, the Woodland Park Zoo offers this black gold known as “Zoo Doo” just twice a year.

Per their whimsical press release (entitled Spring Fecal Fest): “The sweet, aromatic Zoo Doo is composed of species feces contributed by a variety of the zoo’s non-primate herbivores, such as rhinos, hippos, giraffes, mountain goats, tapirs and more; it’s perfect for growing veggies and annuals.”

Online entries accepted: February 1–March 1
Pick-up dates take place: March 21–March 29
Enter the lottery here

The Phinney Ridge Community Council is holding their monthly meeting tomorrow from 7-8:30pm at the Phinney Center. The main topic this month is “finding majestic trees in Phinney Ridge.”

The Last 6,000 Campaign was created to find and map the majestic trees in our city. Come and hear a representative of The Last 6,000 Campaign present the results of an all volunteer effort to find and document some of the remaining majestic trees in our neighborhood.

All are welcome to attend!

Tuesday February 4, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N

Begun with a Kickstarter campaign and operated out of a VW Bus to start in 2014, the Cookie Counter was Seattle’s first vegan ice creamery and has been a fixture on Greenwood since 2016. Owners Chris Olson and Chelsea Keene announced the upcoming closure via Facebook with the anticipated final day February 29:

“Hi there! We just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has been here for us over the years; it’s meant a lot that you’ve come out of your way to support our small business. You’ve helped us to keep this labor of love going for quite some time and we appreciate that so much. We also need to let you know that we have decided to close The Cookie Counter and are starting a new chapter in our lives. We anticipate that our last day open will be Saturday, February 29th. Thank you again for being such a special part of our lives. This business hasn’t just been about making vegan cookies & ice cream…for us it’s also been about all the wonderful folks we’ve met along the way. Please come visit us over the next few weeks…we’d love to see you! We sure will miss you.”

Drop on by through the end of the month and say farewell to this unique small business that has helped make PhinneyWood the best business district in Seattle.

The Cookie Counter, 7415 Greenwood Ave N
Closed Mon-Wed, open Thu – Sun 2pm – 9 or 10pm

Team Arrington Elite Basketball Academy is a youth basketball and mentorship program based in Queen Anne. Elementary, middle school and high school students learn and achieve personal growth while accomplishing the many different developing levels of basketball. Coach Dari Arrington helps each child achieve this through patience, on-court routines and weekly life discussions. 

Team Arrington Elite has been around for 5 years and has become a member of the Jr. NBA. Their philosophy is built on the foundation and value of teamwork, and holds that “hard work beats talent any day when talent fails to work hard.”

You can learn more about Team Arrington on FB/IG: @taebballacdmy or via their website if you want to get registered! Clinics are year-round.

The slew of holiday parties have come and gone. The guests have returned home. The kids are finally back in school. Who else needs a healthy dose of self-love and some time away to recharge and revitalize? Valentine’s doesn’t have to be reserved for your sweetie. You’ve been giving a lot. And, February is the perfect time to show yourself some love and connect with your deepest heart’s desires. 

So grab your swimsuit and a water bottle and come luxuriate with self-care coach and massage therapist, Kristen Jawad; career change agent and life coach, Sara McArdle; and an intimate community of like-minded women during this private event with three hours of exclusive access to Ladywell’s Vitality Spa & Sauna in Greenwood.  

Get your ticket to this unique women-only opportunity today and thank yourself in February!  Tickets can be purchased here.

Ladies’ Self-Love Spa Night
Monday February 3, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Ladywell’s Vitality Spa & Sauna
8538 1st Avenue Northwest

Taproot Theatre announces that Scott Nolte will retire from his role as Producing Artistic Director effective December 31, 2020. Nolte will remain in his current role until that time.

In a recent letter to Taproot’s patrons, Scott explained that in the summer of 2018, after hiking 800kms on the Camino de Frances in Spain, he and his wife (Taproot co-founder, staff member and actress Pam Nolte who will also be retiring from her staff position) began dreaming about the next chapters in their careers. That fall, Nolte began serious conversations about his retirement with Taproot’s Board of Directors and key staff. Nolte states:

“Our incredibly talented staff and committed board members continue to embrace Taproot’s mission to be a “theatre of hope”; a vision which began as a seed with six college students in 1976 and which has grown more than I ever imagined possible over the past four decades.”

Taproot Theatre Company was founded in 1976 by six friends, five of them graduates of Seattle Pacific University. Their early days as a theatre company saw them touring to local schools and churches with productions that included The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis, and Gifts, a trilogy of stories which included Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant.

In a 1977 Seattle Times article Nolte is quoted as saying “Taproot right now is basically a touring company … we want to see it become an established theatre for Seattle.” In 1979 Taproot kicked off its first mainstage play and shortly after began their three-year residency at Seattle Pacific University. In 1988, after several other temporary homes and with Nolte at the helm, Taproot purchased The China Theater in the Greenwood neighborhood and began renovations on what is now their Jewell Mainstage theatre. In 2019, over 37,000 ticket holders entered that theatre to see plays in what has become Seattle’s “largest mid-sized professional theatre.”

In addition to the mainstage season Taproot produces plays in its Isaac Studio Theatre, Taproot also has a year-round acting studio and tours bullying-prevention plays to schools all over the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond serving as Taproot Theatre Company’s Producing Artistic Director, Nolte has served as adjunct faculty at Seattle Pacific University, past president of Theater Puget Sound and the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and taught theater in Leon, Spain. The Noltes (Scott and Pam) were named Seattle Pacific University Alumni of the Year in 2011.

Over the course of 43 years, Nolte has directed over 90 plays at Taproot Theatre ranging from The Odyssey: A Play to Smoke on the Mountain and more recently Kim’s Convenience (with co-director David Hsieh). In his final season as Producing Artistic Director, Nolte will direct Babette’s Feast, The Spitfire Grill and The Old Man and the Old Moon and plans to co-direct (with David Hsieh) a revival of Kim’s Convenience in Tacoma.

Taproot’s Board of Directors is leading the search for Nolte’s successor and plan to announce Taproot’s new Producing Artistic Director by September 2020. Board president Larry Bjork says:

“Scott and Pam’s retirement has been a board discussions for the last several years and is part of our ongoing process of strategic planning. We celebrate their years of commitment and vision and are excited about the next chapter in the life of Taproot Theatre Company.”

Come check out Phinney Cooperativa Preescolar en Español (PCPE), Seattle’s only Spanish-language Cooperative Preschool, and a program of the PNA.

PCPE welcomes bi-lingual families with children ages 0 to 6 who speak Spanish either full or part-time at home. PCPE provides a play-based learning environment, encouraging and supporting the whole child and his/her development process.

PCPE is a strong community of bilingual families, celebrating diverse Latino cultures.  Attend the Open House to receive priority status on our waiting list.

For more info visit: pcpeseattle.org or contact them at inscripciones@pcpeseattle.org.

Saturday February 1, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Phinney Center Blue Building, Lower Level – Blue Room

Haselwood Auto Group and its dealerships are sponsoring a chance for one lucky blood donor to win a brand new car when they donate blood with Bloodworks Northwest – including this Friday 1/31 at the PNA. Local blood supplies are critically low, so now is the time to act!

New to donating blood? Giving blood is easy. It takes about an hour and every pint donated has the potential to help three people.

Who does your blood donation help? Bloodworks supports hospitals across the Pacific Northwest. Your donation is key to saving lives of local Northwest individuals, like patients being treated for cancer, surgery, or trauma.

Ready to donate blood? Register Today! If you have any questions, give Bloodworks Northwest a call at 1-800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org.

Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive
Friday January 31, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm (closed 3-4 pm)
Phinney Center Blue Building, 6532 Phinney Ave N

On January 31, join Couth Buzzard Books and friends for an evening of music, poetry, and readings from a new collection of letters written by prisoners, and help Books to Prisoners raise money to support more than 10,000 incarcerated readers in 2020.

Books to Prisoners is a Seattle-area nonprofit whose mission is to provide free books to people in prisons across the country to empower, educate, and connect prisoners.

This is also the launch party for their new book, “Dear Books to Prisoners: Letters from the Incarcerated,” a coffee-table-type book filled with the revealing thoughts and insights of some of the people BTP has helped. The party will feature live music courtesy of Jim Page and local band CHA, as well as readings from the book and copies available for purchase.

Books to Prisoners fundraiser and book launch
Friday January 31, 7:30pm
Couth Buzzard, 8310 Greenwood Ave N
No charge for admission

Per a Swedish blog post: “The Swedish Ballard Emergency Department will be temporarily closed to patient care through 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31. We apologize we cannot offer these services throughout the SEIU 1199NW Labor Strike. Normal services will resume at 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan 31.

Our five other emergency departments (First Hill, Cherry Hill, Issaquah, Edmonds and Mill Creek) will remain open during the strike. Individuals with life-threatening and urgent medical needs should go to one of Swedish’s open emergency departments for care or another local/regional emergency center.”

Please visit the nearest emergency facilities located at:

UW Medical Center Montlake (4.6 miles) 1959 NE Pacific Street, 2nd Floor Main Hospital Seattle, WA 98195 (206) 598-3300

UW Medical Center Northwest (4.9 miles) 1550 N. 115th Street, 1st Floor Main Hospital, A-Wing Seattle, WA 98133 (206) 668-0500

If you have a life-threatening emergency, Call 9-1-1

Do you know or are you a young artist? Through Feb. 2, Northwest artists under 25 are invited to apply to the Phinney Center Gallery’s March 2020 show, called Up and Coming Artists. The submission process is open: visit https://www.phinneycenter.org/arts/ to submit your art today. Scholarships are available if the $20 submission fee presents a hardship.

A jury of local teaching artists will select art for the show to be displayed in the PNA Gallery from Mar. 11-Apr. 17, with the opening reception on Friday, Mar. 13 during the PhinneyWood ArtWalk.

Please submit your art today and email pollyf@phinneycenter.org with any questions.

Photograph titled Poster Artist & Son by Glenn Beebe from previous Phinney Gallery Show

PhinneyWood is full of wonderful people and great places that we all wish we knew more about. Resident Kevin Kozel periodically digs deeper to let us know more in a column we like to call … Hi Neighbor!

A year ago PhinneyWood added one of the city’s most anticipated restaurants when Windy City Pie opened in the old Phinney Market location. Specializing in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Windy City brings their well-reviewed pies to a region that has long lacked options in the style. A year later, crowds still can’t get enough of the delicious caramelized cheese edge. Owner Dave Lichterman tells us more about his pizza’s meteoric rise, and why this cult favorite pie is one everyone should try at least once.

Kevin Kozel (KK): How long has Windy City Pie been open in this location now?

Dave Lichterman (DL): We moved here from Interbay on January 1st, 2019. We opened for takeout on January 14th and then we officially opened for dine-in on April 4th. This is our first time having a “brick and mortar” and we’re happy to be in the neighborhood.

KK: And this is the first proper dining space you’ve had, right?

DL: This is our fourth iteration. It started off in my condo… which it turns out, isn’t totally legal. Then it moved to a commissary kitchen in SoDo. From there, it moved to a distillery in Interbay before finally landing in Phinney Ridge. All previous locations were either a “hole-in-the-wall” or even an undisclosed location instead of an actual restaurant. Long story short, yes, this is our very first full dining experience.

KK: I remember you started out as kind of a secret. You had to order a day in advance and it would be delivered to you, or something along those lines?

DL: I started making pizza for people I didn’t already know back in August of 2015. Before that, the only reviews I had were friends telling me my pizza was great and I should open a restaurant, which sounded like a terrible idea! Those are well-known money pits. I needed to see if there was some demand for this product, so I opened as basically a website, or “ghost restaurant” as they’re now called. The requirement was that you had to order a day in advance, delivery only, and it had to be somewhere within city limits.

KK: How has social media impacted Windy City?

DL: I used to do a lot of concert photography for KEXP and they had an intern luncheon one day. I told them I would cater it for them, so I made 12 pizzas in my house and brought them over. They posted it on social medial and all of a sudden people wanted to know where they could get Chicago-style pizza in Seattle. The biggest break came when I was defending the pizza style to food blogger, and soon-to-be James Beard award winner, J. Kenji López-Alt. He was saying there’s no good deep-dish pizza and tried his hand at a recipe. I responded by telling him he was doing various things wrong and piqued his interest in how I might know such a thing. He visited me in the SoDo commissary. I was terrified he wouldn’t like it. Thankfully for my sanity, he tried it and posted to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that it was the best deep-dish he’s had anywhere, including in Chicago.

KK: This has all happened pretty quickly. You don’t have any professional cooking or restaurant experience. Did you even have any idea how to start a restaurant?

DL: I had no professional experience to speak of, just a lot of practice at making something and honing that recipe over the course of 10 years. I’m a computer engineer by education, so I didn’t know how to outfit a commercial kitchen or scale up food preparation. I could only do so much as one guy. Hiring people that knew the answers to these questions or were willing to learn with me was key. A lot of my staff have followed me for years now, from one iteration of Windy City Pie to the next, and I wouldn’t have been able to make all those moves were it not for their help. Moreover, the transition from Interbay to Phinney Ridge took a lot longer than anticipated, there was some downtime, and that’s hard for anyone working an hourly position in this city to survive. I did my best to keep everyone busy and gainfully employed, but my crew took a big risk on me and my crazy pizza dream. I’m forever grateful to them for that.

KK: How is the location treating you so far?

DL: The neighborhood has been very welcoming. Too welcoming at the start, to where we just didn’t have the space or flow in the space to keep up. We’ve gotten our sea legs at this point, largely thanks to Amanda Jensen, my right hand, who has loads more experience in running a full-service restaurant than I do. It took some work to convert this space and make it more of our own, but it’s a beautiful space. We wanted to make it more of an art deco, Chicago World’s Fair vibe. It’s been a labor of love creating an homage to Chicago without making it all about sports.

KK: A lot of people have very strong opinions about pizza, and Chicago deep-dish is no exception. Where do you sit on the “pizza wars”?

DL: I don’t really care about the “is it pizza/is it not” debate. It’s food; did you like it? There are thicker styles of pizza in New York and Italy. There’s so much variety in pizza, and there’s excellent implementations of most of those varieties. Check out the first episode of David Chang’s “Ugly Delicious” on Netflix for an example of that variety. Even in Chicago there are at least four different styles of pizza, three of which I’d classify as deep-dish. It’s just, did you enjoy the pizza?

KK: What are your recommendations for first time visitors?

DL: Start with one of the specialty pies, we know those are good combinations and a good amount of stuff. Everyone has different tastes, but we’d also be happy to help you build your own. Just let us guide you through the process. We want you to have a delicious pizza and keep coming back.

KK:What does the future hold for Windy City Pie?

DL: I’m always looking towards new things and I love cooking. The idea is to see where things take us, not necessarily decide the direction we’re going. Right now I’m working on incorporating software I’m writing to make restaurant operations run even smoother, with the hope to add delivery this year.

Visit Windy City Pie at 5918 Phinney Ave N, or order online at www.windycitypie.com. It is recommended that you order in advance, even for dine-in, as Chicago-style pizzas  do take time to properly bake. 

Any person, place, or thing you want to know more about in our neighborhood? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and we’ll look into making it a future feature on Hi Neighbor!

Photo by Kevin Kozel of Dave Lichterman and Amanda Jensen (edited 1/27/20)

Do you have a brick & mortar or home-based business that processes credit cards? Come socialize and learn with other local business members and owners/professionals at the PNA Business Group’s quarterly social and no-host lunch.

The Wonderful World of Credit Card Processing Simplified

Jane Kelly of the respected local credit card processing company Gravity Payments will lead a lunchtime seminar on how to make the best of a necessary need for all businesses large and small. A must for new and existing business owners! Gain valuable information and connections for your business, get to know your fellow business owners, and have a delicious lunch at the Park Pub.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP here. Free for PNA Business Members, $10 for non-members. Not a PNA Business Member?  Learn more here.

Wednesday January 29, Noon – 1:30pm
The Park Pub, 6114 Phinney Ave N

The City of Seattle is committed to supporting a strong and resilient economy that generates economic opportunity and prosperity for all of Seattle’s diverse communities. Small, long-tenured businesses also known as legacy businesses are an important part of this vision. Over the past ten years, the city has seen significant increases in population and employment. Amid this tremendous and unprecedented change, many residents and community leaders have expressed a sense of loss at the closing of longtime businesses challenged under new local and global economic realities.

To address commercial displacement and preserve the neighborhoods that Seattle residents cherish, the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) has developed the Legacy Business pilot program that provides specialized support for long-standing, culturally relevant Seattle small businesses.

In order to be considered for the Legacy Business Program, a business must meet the following criteria:

• Independently owned, for-profit business,
• Minimum of ten years of continuous operation in Seattle,
• Fewer than 50 employees, including the owner(s)

To be selected, businesses must also contribute to the ground-level streetscape and/or neighborhood identity, serve a community function above and beyond the basic sale of goods and services, and face a significant risk of displacement. Learn more about the program through the FAQ page.

Do you know of a business that meets this criteria? Nominate them as a Legacy Business! Qualifying businesses will be notified of their nomination and invited to apply.

Nominate a business here

Come visit the nationally famous PNA Tool Library for a tour from knowledgeable tool librarian Elliot Scher. PNA members have the ability to borrow over 1000 tools from the extensive inventory (though not at the same time).

Get your questions answered, hear the history, and get an inside view of this fantastic neighborhood resource. You do not need to be a current PNA member to go on the tour.

Saturday January 25, 11:00am – 12:00pm ~ Free
Register: (206) 297-0875.
Meet in front of the tool library, 6615 Dayton Ave N.

The Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) seeks an Associate Executive Director to be responsible for building a strong team, fostering a dynamic organizational culture, and strengthening programs and impact in our community.

The Associate Executive Director will embody and lead the PNA in the execution of its mission and vision while strengthening staff capacity and organizational culture.  As a member of the leadership team, the Associate Executive Director will be a key liaison between Operations, Development, Finance, Human Resources, and Marketing. This position reports to the Executive Director. This is a 40-hour per week Monday through Friday position, with a salary range of $75-79,000 annually/DOE with benefits. 

For a detailed job description, including essential responsibilities, minimum qualifications, and benefits, see our job posting at www.phinneycenter.org/jobs. 

To apply, email a cover letter indicating your interest and how you meet the minimum qualifications and a resume to hr@phinneycenter.org.  Preference will be given to candidates who apply by February 7, 2020 at 5 pm.   Questions about this position can be directed to Dar’Nesha Weary, Executive Director, at darneshaw@phinneycenter.org     

The Greenwood Senior Center is looking for an experienced Men’s Group Facilitator to create a twice a month gathering of older men.  This group’s focus is to create a community in which to grow relationships, create connections, encourage trust and communication, and support personal growth.  This position is funded through December 2023 by the King County Veterans, Senior and Human Services Levy for Senior Hubs and reports to the Senior Programs Director.  Monthly work schedule: Two 2-hour groups and one other program per month. 

This is a 10 hour per month position paying $30/hour DOE.  The PNA offers a convivial, positive, and flexible working environment.

To apply for this position, email a cover letter indicating your interest and how you meet the minimum qualifications and a resume to hr@phinneycenter.org.  Preference will be given to candidates who apply by Tuesday, February 4 at 5 pm.  Questions about this position can be directed to Cecily Kaplan at Cecily@phinneycenter.org     

Be prepared! Join Leif Jackson of Sound Seismic for the popular Earthquake Home Retrofit class. Learn about the City of Seattle’s Project Impact and how to evaluate your home for needed structural improvements. Learn to use the correct tools, materials, and methods to accomplish an earthquake retrofit. Class size is limited, so be sure to register in advance.

A hands-on follow up is available at the PNA’s Tool Lending Library.

Cost: $20/PNA Member, $25/Public
Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6
Register online or call 206.783.2244
Co-Sponsored by the PNA Tool Library.

Sprout some new ideas for your edible garden! Come to the annual Seed Swap hosted at the Phinney Center by the King County Seed Lending Library (KCSLL).

Along with seeds of favorite vegetables, you will find enthusiastic fellow gardeners eager to share their best varieties. Nearly half of the 100 attendees at last year’s swap brought their own seeds.

At the swap, stick around to learn about both ends of the gardening year. There will be short workshops on seed saving and other gardening topics. If you save your own seeds, you can make a deposit to the library’s seed bank at next year’s swap.

Bring your edible garden seed to share. It can be commercial or home-grown seed, but please follow these guidelines:

• Share only seeds of edible plants that your fellow gardeners would grow from seed, such as annual vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers.
• If donating packaged seed, it should be organic or open-pollinated or heirloom.
• If donating home-saved seed, please clean it off the stems or stalks and bring only the seed.
• You can clean your seed at the swap. We will have screens, and buckets available.
• All shared seed should be fresh, within three years of purchase or saving.
• Please label all donations with seed type, variety if known, and year it was grown/saved.

The Seed Swap is free, and open to all; bringing seed is not required.

The King County Seed Lending Library is housed within the PNA Tool Library. Other branches of the seed library are hosted around King County, and some have their own swaps. For more information, visit kingcoseed.org.

Saturday January 25, 2:00pm – 4:00pm ~ Free
Phinney Center Brick Building, Community Hall – 6532 Phinney Ave N

The former Naomi Sushi space at 8576 Greenwood Ave N has been quickly transformed and opened as Green Tree. It is open from 11am – 10pm every day (11pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and offers delivery, take out and dine-in options.

You can find the menu and more about the restaurant here, and also note that all food is 20% off currently to celebrate their grand opening.

Green Tree
8576 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 789-0819

Join your neighbors again this year to celebrate Holi at the PNA on Saturday March 28 from 1-3. Holi is a traditional Indian festival of color that is a joyous celebration of spring, connection, and the triumph of good over evil.

There will be singing, dancing, Indian food and chai available for purchase, and of course, a fabulous color fight, where people chase each other around, throwing handfuls of colored powder. Started by a community member in 2018, Holi welcomes folks of all cultures, backgrounds and ages.

Learn more about Holi »

Tickets:

• Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 day of the event. Kids 5 and under are free. (The fee supports the cost of putting on the festival)
• A pay-what-you-can option is available
•  With each ticket, you get two color packets, with the opportunity to buy more on-site.

Tickets will go on sale in late January/early February.

Location: Phinney Center lower parking lot, 6532 Phinney Ave N

Photo courtesy of Greg Maass

Enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast and mimosas, celebrate the successes of 2019, meet our new Executive Director, elect the candidates for the PNA Board of Directors, and look forward to 2020. Meet new neighbors and visit with old friends. Bring your ideas and suggestions and find out how you can become more involved in the PNA and our community.

Many thanks to the event sponsor, Umpqua Bank Greenwood.

Breakfast served from 9:00 – 9:45AM; the business portion begins at 9:45 am. All are welcome, and this is a VERY kid-friendly event.

Location: Phinney Center Lower Brick Building, Community Hall

The rotating restaurants at 500 NW 65th St – from the Hanger Cafe to Stock to Papa’s – has a new entrant in Raiz, a Mexican cafe owned by Ricardo Valdes and Kenny Villegas. Villegas was the brainchild of El Xolo, a taco stand inside Nacho Borracho.

Valdes told Seattle Eater that the cafe will be cozy, with breakfast items such as chilaquiles (pictured above), requeson cheese pancakes with guava butter, and sandwiches. Raiz will feature mostly ingredients that are locally sourced. “A cozy cafe in Ballard. PNW meets CDMX,” reads their Instagram.

Raiz Cafe
500 NW 65th St.
Monday – Friday, 11am to 3pm
Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 3pm

Time to clear out your closets of the outdated yet useful 90’s Gore-Tex jackets, ugly wool socks you got for Christmas, and your Seattle Mariners stocking caps. With winter weather raging, it’s a perfect time for a warm and/or waterproof clothing drive for our unhoused neighbors.

The Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery is accepting lightly used or new rain gear, tents, fleeces, sweaters, sturdy shoes/boots, blankets, coats, socks and gloves.

The Phinney Association, in partnership with Discovery Church, is looking for the following, which can be dropped off in the container just inside the main door: New/pre-packaged socks, gloves, winter hats and (new or lightly used) coats.

All donations stay local!

Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave N
Monday-Friday 9:00AM – 10:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM – 2:00PM

Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery
Monday-Thursday 3:00PM – 10:00PM, Friday 3:00PM – 11:00PM,
Saturday Noon – 11:00PM, Sunday 1:00PM – 9:00PM

This year’s Chinese New Year festivities will include 7 days of celebrating Culturally Inspired Beer, the core of Lucky Envelope Brewing. They couldn’t think of a better way to start the week than with paying homage to a drink at the core of Chinese culture, tea!

Lucky Envelope’s brewing philosophy is centered around Culturally Inspired Beer whose recipes draw from modern and historic brewing styles and techniques. In addition, Lucky Envelope also uses both traditional and non-traditional ingredients in our beers which range from traditional IPAs (ENIAC Mosaic IPA), to seasonal favorites like Two Pepper Pale Ale (Habanero & Shishito peppers) and Peanut Butter Cream Stout.

Teahouse Beer Day will feature four special releases in styles ranging from stout to hazy IPA. Head on down to celebrate and discover!

Lucky Envelope Brewing
907 NW 50th Street, Seattle, WA 98107
Mon-Thu 3:00 – 9:00PM, Fri-Sun noon – 10:00PM

The Olde 99 Pub next to Beth’s Cafe at 7305 Aurora Ave N is no more, replaced by Lagetta Pasta & Pub. New owners Dianna and Trevor Wagner bring 20 years of pasta experience to Lagetta (“little lake”) from Pasta Ya Gotcha at the Microsoft campus and Amazon South Lake Union campus.

The menu includes a variety of pub food, pasta and sandwiches which you can preview on their website. There is also a bar, ping pong, darts, Tuesday trivia, and food/drink specials. The entire restaurant is 21+, so leave the kiddos at home.

Lagetta Pasta & Pub
7305 Aurora Ave N
206-687-7047
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 2pm – 2am, Sunday: 2pm – 12am

Well here’s your chance as this will be the topic of the Cascade Cactus and Succulents Society of Washington‘s Sunday meeting, presented by Jose Manuel Alvarez Guerrero.

“The Northwest is surprisingly rich in succulents, with over 30 species from at least 8 families. They come from a wide range of habitats, such as beaches, bluffs, outcrops, grasslands, canyons, snow beds, alpine meadows and even marshes. The presentation will cover the diversity of ecoregions and succulent plants in Idaho, Oregon and Washington”.

Sunday January 19th, 2:00 – 4:30PM
Phinney Neighborhood Association
6532 Phinney Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103

Body By Impulse, a personal training center at 7107 Greenwood Ave N, uses a technology which traces its roots from Ancient Egypt to today called electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).  EMS uses electrical impulses to cause muscles to contract, which in turn helps your muscles become stronger. While rare in the US, in present-day Europe it is a mainstream treatment for athletes and weekend warriors alike.

Similarly, Pulse Pro Health uses Pulse Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) as an alternative therapy that creates a gentle, pulsing magnetic field that energizes unhealthy cells and purportedly stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself. PEMF has been shown to be effective at helping gain relief naturally from chronic pain and long term illnesses.

While Pulse Pro Health is located in Ballard, they are offering their therapy for a limited time at Body By Impulse, starting today. You can experience PEMF – and check out Body By Impulse’s beautiful studio if you have yet to – on Thursdays this month and in February as well. All new clients receive their first three for one hour sessions for just $99 and can book directly on their website.

Pulse Pro Health PEMF at Body By Impulse
7107 Greenwood Ave N
Thursdays in January and February, 10am – 4pm by appointment

Bring your future preschooler to our BPC open house. Come to view their space and meet some current kids and families. Parents and kids welcome. Registration will soon open up for next year’s classes, and this is a great opportunity to see if BPC is a good fit.

RSVP (Facebook) or email  bpc.registrar@gmail.com.

Learn about Ballard Preschool Co-op

Uncle Bonsai performs original, contemporary folk/pop music. With their soaring and intricate 3-part vocal harmonies and biting humor, accompanied by only an acoustic guitar, Arni Adler, Patrice O’Neill, and Andrew Ratshin deliver poignantly unflinching portrayals of life, love, and a guy named Doug. Three tightly tiered and adhered voices, acoustic guitar. That’s it. “Nearly naked folk-pop for everyone.”

Saturday, January 18 / 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Phinney Center Concert Hall, Brick Building
6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle
Buy Tickets online or 1-800-838-3006

Kevin Burke’s fiddle playing has been at the forefront of traditional music for over 30 years. Whether solo or accompanied, on record or in concert, Burke is an immensely engaging performer. During his long musical career Kevin has earned international acclaim in both Europe and America as a solo performer, a teacher and as a member of some of folk music’s foremost groups including Celtic Fiddle Festival, Open House, and Patrick Street.

Sunday, January 19 / 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
Phinney Center Concert Hall, Brick Building
6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle
Buy Tickets online or 1-800-838-3006

Join us for a special showing of this documentary film on Seahawk Marshawn Lynch. Director David Shields will be here to present and discuss the documentary.

“Marshawn Lynch: A History” explores the silence that nonconformist NFL star Marshawn Lynch deploys as a form of resistance. Culling more than 700 video clips and placing them in dramatic, rapid, and radical juxtaposition, the film is a powerful political parable about the American media-sports complex and its deep complicity with racial oppression.

Produced, written, and directed by David Shields, New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books. $10 Donation. Food, espresso, beer, wine, and Skittles available.

Couth Buzzard Books, 8310 Greenwood Ave N
Friday January 17, 7:30 – 9:30PM

Phinney Books invites you to a special book signing by local author Laura Jacobs tomorrow evening. Laura’s new book Light Sleeper is a story of resilience, strength, and the unleashing of secrets no one likes to talk about.

Phinney Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave N
Thursday January 16, 7:00 – 8:00PM

Seattle Public Utilities contractors will be running normal routes today, January 15, operating on a one-day delay schedule. Drivers will be picking up residential garbage, recycling and food/yard waste pickup from Tuesday customers today. Business and multifamily routes are running on a normal schedule today.  

Garbage, recycling and yard/food waste collection is dependent on road and weather conditions for waste collection drivers and on public safety. Any customers missed this week will be allowed to set out double their normal amount of garbage, recycling and yard waste at no additional charge, on their next scheduled collection day. For service updates, please check https://atyourservice.seattle.gov/.

The once-a-decade population count is quickly approaching. Find out how you can be counted by pressing a few buttons on your smartphone.

Learn how your participation affects the amount of funding and representation our community receives.

Interested in helping Phinney Ridge get an accurate count? Learn about the well-paying, flexible jobs available.

Learn more about the 2020 US Census

Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 7

Free, please Register online

Please join us for pizza and refreshments while learning how you can help your elder neighbors! The Village provides a network of support including volunteer services, trusted business referrals, and social engagement. This framework empowers people to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love while staying active and engaged as they age.

Village volunteers provide services like transportation, help with small projects in and around the home, and social interaction.  Volunteering is flexible and on your own schedule. Make a difference in how your neighbors choose to age!

Your RSVP is appreciated but not required at village@phinneycenter.org or 206-789-1217.

Date: Wednesday, January 15
Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, 6532 Phinney Ave N.
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

With snow and ice potentially in the offing next week, SDOT would like to share their recently updated winter weather information with the neighborhood.

You can view the Winter Weather brochure and snow and ice card in ten languages here. They can also be found at the Greenwood Library and all Seattle Public School elementary schools.

Additionally, SDOT has partnered with the disability advocacy group Rooted in Rights to create a video that shares the experience of several Seattle residents after last year’s heavy snow. Don’t Snow Us In video (full length): https://youtu.be/6SnWUXRqVS8

Stay safe and warm, and have fun Phinney!

As of Jan. 1, garbage and recycling collection programs no longer accept plastic bags and plastic wrap in curbside recycling carts and bins.  

Instead, customers should take those separated materials to one of the more than 100 drop-off locations in King County where these materials can be properly recycled. This includes plastic retail bags, sandwich bags, produce bags, dry cleaning bags, and the plastic wrap around bundled toilet paper and paper towels.  

Find the full list of materials accepted at drop-off locations and a directory of drop-off locations at plasticfilmrecycling.org. Our closest option for Phinney-Greenwood are the Fred Meyer stores on 85th and down in Ballard.

While bringing plastic bags and wrap to a drop-off location is best for the environment, customers in Seattle and King County also can throw them in the garbage. It’s better to toss them out rather than contaminate other collected recyclables.  

Bringing plastic bags and wrap to a drop-off location keeps the bundled recyclables cleaner and easier to manufacture into new products.  

Other ways to recycle right include:  

• Make sure your recycling is empty, clean, and dry before putting it in the recycling bin; 
• When in doubt, find out – check your city or recycling collection company’s guidelines on which materials are recyclable and which are garbage; and  
• Always recycle empty, clean, and dry plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs; paper; glass bottles and jars; metal cans; and cardboard.  

Take a ride on a spaceship tomorrow at Gay Bingo 2020: A Space Odyssey,. This event that supports Lifelong, a non-profit that delivers food, housing, and health services to people living with chronic illnesses in Western Washington.

This 21 and over shindig is unbridled fun, complete with ridiculous musical numbers, hilarious drag queen antics, chances to win wonderful prizes, and much more. Tickets are going quickly – purchase yours here.

Saturday January 11, 5:00 pm
Fremont Studios, 155 North 35th Street

After soldiering on for a little over a year after the Munch Cafe didn’t take hold, Sushi Naomi at 8576 Greenwood Ave N has abruptly shut down. There is a new Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant named “Green Tree” that is busily transforming this space squeezed between the North Star Diner and Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery. More details will follow as they become available.

Girls on the Run is a non-profit dedicated to inspiring girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games.

Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.

Girls on the Run is for girls in 3rd-5th grade that encourages girls to recognize their individual strengths and celebrate connections with others. Program details are here and you can register here.

Heart & Sole is Girls on the Run’s middle school program that meets the unique needs of girls in 6th-8th grade. The program considers the whole girl – body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection – in a positive, structured space where girls can learn about themselves, explore new ideas, cultivate empathy and strengthen connections. Program details are here and you can register here.

Sarah Maloney & Valerie Niemeyer are organizing their first Zine & Arts Festival hosted by The Greenwood Art Collective during the January Art Walk.

This will be a fundraiser for Real Rent Duwamish. Artists may choose to donate a percentage of their sales to Real Rent Duwamish. We will have collection jars and you can always donate directly yourself.

The Greenwood Art Collective acknowledges that we gather and make art on the unceded ancestral lands of Dkhw Duw’Absh (the Duwamish Tribe)

Zines ~ Art ~ Drinks ~ Live Music (Morgan Hunter, Man made moons. Tenderhorn) ~ Performances ~ Fun ~ Good Causes

When: Friday January 10th
Where: The Greenwood Art Collective, 8537 Greenwood Ave N
Time: 5:00 – 9:00PM
Music Starts at 9:00PM

Thinking of creating a backyard cottage? Wondering about the A/DADU land-use code changes that passed recently and would you like to find out more?

Check out this class on the why, what, where and how of building a DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) taught by Sheri Newbold of live-work-play.

The presenters will be able to look at a few of your examples as time permits. Bring your address, property dimensions and if possible, your sewer card. City of Seattle sewer cards are available here. 

Cost: $15 PNA Members/$25 Public

Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

Register online

Umpqua Greenwood is hosting an interactive discussion this Saturday about how to buy your home. This will focus on the often-confusing navigation through the mortgage process, and be tailored to the goals of those that attend.

Session topics include different financing options, down payment requirements, documentation requirements, pre-approval vs. pre-qualification, things to avoid, and answers to all your burning questions.

Limited seating available, and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to DulciePatner@umpquabank.com or (206)251-0096.

Saturday January 11, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Umpqua Bank, 7120 Greenwood Ave N

Seattle Amistad School, which fosters diversity, inclusion and native language, expanded to Greenwood in September 2018. Amistad is a non-profit school with a mission of social justice.

Amistad North wants to invest in children from their first stages of development and continue the bicultural education as they grow to compassionate and engaged citizens.

The Amistad School model focuses on independent, two-way language immersion. Students speak in both Spanish and English. Right now, kids at 1 year old through 1^st grade are attending the Amistad North school. Every year the school grows one grade until they reach 5^th grade.

Amistad Central followed this model until graduating its first class of 5^th graders one year ago. The school leaders saw a growing demand for this model of language and inclusion, and decided to open a second location.

“It is very important for us to stand behind the idea of keeping native language as a human right.,” said Amistad North Director Paula Mejia.

The school’s leaders aren’t just reaching out to native Spanish speakers. They want to invite other families to take part in the experience.

“We want to offer the community an opportunity where all students are able to navigate both their own cultural contexts, and those of others,” Mejia said. “We know that children who have the tools to bridge cultural and linguistic divides will be leaders in creating a more just, compassionate world.”

Seattle Amistad School North – 9218 Greenwood Ave N
Tuesday, January 7 tour in English – 10:00 am – reserve a spot here
Tuesday, January 7 tour in Spanish – 2:00 pm – reserve a spot here
Thursday, January 9 tour in Spanish – 10:00 am – reserve a spot here
Thursday, January 9 tour in English – 2:00 pm – reserve a spot here

Looking to get going on that New Year’s resolution for a fitter 2020? Look no farther than this “CrossFit light” series geared for women over 60. The program focuses on improving strength, bone density, balance and flexibility and provides an introduction to body weight and weighted movements.

The goal is not to win competitions or set lifting records, but rather to be strong and healthy to help you maximize your retirement years and enjoy your highest quality of life. You can learn more and sign up here.

*Next session starts: January 8th, 2020
*4-week program running Wednesdays & Fridays from 10:30AM-11:30AM
*CrossFit Phinney Ridge, 7601 Greenwood Ave N

The Phinney Ridge Community Council is holding their monthly meeting tomorrow from 7-8:30pm at the Phinney Center. Topics will include tree protection, affordable housing, and a focus on current neighborhood development projects. You can see the full agenda here. All are welcome to attend!

Tuesday January 7, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

The word “lice” elicits many different responses from people, most of which would qualify as negative. For Daria Whettam, owner and founder of The Lice Clinic across from the Greenwood Library, that doesn’t seem to bother her.

“Lice happens to anyone. It’s not bad hygiene, it’s not embarrassing, and it happens for all the right reasons: hugging, play, sports, camps – it’s like a love bug.”  Indeed, her first-ever client at the clinic told his mom that he hoped to get lice again so he could come back to Daria’s cheery and entertaining space.

Born in Poland and growing up outside Warsaw, Daria was obsessed with the USA and American culture. Unable to study English in public school – just Russian was taught and private English lessons were prohibitively expensive – she came stateside as an au pair in 2004. 

After attending Eastern Washington University on scholarship, she stared working in a hair salon cutting children’s hair. Almost every day at least one child would come in with lice, which prevented the salon from being able to provide services to them. Daria and the salon owner researched how to best deal with lice and started a separate business around ridding their clients of the pests.

After converting the business to a mobile service for a time, Seattle’s traffic motivated Daria to seek a brick and mortar location here in Greenwood.  Daria loves the neighborhood, connecting with the community, the numerous coffee shops, and all the resident dogs she has come to know. “I might have a bad day, but I know I’ll always leave Diva with a smile.”

The Lice Clinic
8009 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 457-2397
theliceclinic.net

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

“Who would have thought this would be a good idea,” is how Joanna D’Asaro summed up her business that has unequivocally been an excellent idea.  13 years ago, Joanna decided to team up with her husband, Bert Bradley to create Greener Living Solutions.

Before GLS, Joanna was a landscape architect with a love for nature and ecology, while Bert was a builder and general contractorspecializing in interiors & green construction. Like peanut butter and chocolate, they formed a business partnership between that has created something unique and special. 

The “Greener” in their name has two meanings. First, they are passionate about outdoor spaces and creating an ecologically-based area for outdoor living, relaxation, and gatherings. This involves a lot more than landscaping and adding plants, as they seek to transform the envelope of the house and integrate it with the functionality of the interior. “Holistic and not piecemeal, a true re-visioning of their outdoor area” says Joanna.

Secondly, Joanna and Bert are committed to being an environmentally conscious company. They focus on native and drought-tolerant plants, water saving through reclamation, and are certified as a RainWise contractor. Bert is also a founding member of the Ecobuilding Guild.    

Joanna enjoys volunteering for local parks and planning activates around them, including Greenwood Park, Alice Ball Park, and the Greenwood Station P-Patch. Bert is most happy when they take on an exterior project, no matter the season. “People get more stressed out when their kitchen isn’t done and have dust in their living space than if their outdoor area is under construction.”

Greener Living Solutions
greenerlivingsolutions.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Many small businesses are born out of a void noticed by the entrepreneurs who take it upon themselves to fill it. Such is the case with the Broadview Taphouse, begun a year and a half ago by friends Matt Hipp and Dave Ralston.

They loved our local pubs and taphouses, but found that many of them did not welcome – or even barred – an important new facet of their lives: kids. Most parents know that there are precious few child-oriented businesses in our neighborhood, and a bar that was not just tolerant but welcoming of our small humans was unheard of.

They seem to have taken a famous quote by George Orwell and made it their mission statement: “The Puritanical nonsense of excluding children and therefore to some extent women from pubs has turned these places into mere boozing shops instead of the family gathering places that they ought to be.”

The Taphouse is not just built on welcoming kids, but as a central gathering spot for their neighborhood. Matt wanted it to have a “meeting house vibe” and has succeeded in that he and Dave have numerous stories to back that up. Many of their customers say there are few places they would go alone, but love to travel solo to the Taphouse because of the community-building efforts and open conversations that happen with neighbors. Even though they sell food and food trucks at the Taphouse, customers are welcome to bring their own, with the occasional three-course meal coming through the doors.

Matt and Dave work hard to create additional opportunities for engagement, with a summer movie series, Monday night trivia, and small artist craft fairs.

Broadview Tap House
217 N 125th St
(206) 420-1108
broadviewtaphouse.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Founded in Seattle in 2013, Illumination Learning Studio and Illumineers Preschol & Pre-K is a private cultural, performing and fine arts school started by husband and wife, Michael and Molli Piper, with oldest son CM Piper. The family has a background in early learning education, music and arts.

Mike and Molli play an active role in their community, helping organize many well-known community events put on by the Phinney Neighborhood Association and the Ballard Alliance of Small Businesses. They moved from Chicago to Seattle in June of 2013 to be closer to their granddaughters. The Piper family opened their first Illumination Learning Studio (ILS) on Greenwood and 78^th of that year.

The overriding mission of Illumination is to be a combination of education and the arts with a focus on building community and being active in the local community. ILS began with 26 kids for their afterschool enrichment classes and 2 preschoolers for Molli’s half-day preschool. 

“Our integrated arts curriculum uses singing, learning music, dance, drama, Spanish, and yoga to support early childhood development,” said Molli. “These early years are the most critical for important learning behaviors and knowledge, while encouraging a child’s love for learning and exploring.”

Molli became a member of the PNA in 2013 and a member of the Small Business Advisory Board in 2015 for the Phinney Ridge/Greenwood community. She has sat on many committees such as Rainbow Hop, Summer Streets, Hunger Goblin, and Holiday Promotions and has ensured that Illumination Learning Studio could play an active role with each of these events. 

The big news of note is that ILS is expanding in Ballard next fall! The new Illumineers Preschool will be located inside Illumination Learning Studio at 2821 NW Market Street. (Next door to Portage Bay Café near the Locks.) The preschool will run from September to July each year, holding fun half-day camps in August. The school offers a 3 or 5-day enrollment option.

Illumination Learning Studio
(206) 237-4913
illuminationlearningstudio.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Bev Sobelman didn’t take the direct route to becoming the owner of one of Phinney Ridge’s most unique businesses, Versatile Arts. She started coding before she finished her college degree, and spent 20 years working in software development.

In working her way up the ladder, she found herself managing people, spending most of her day in meetings, and “watching people get yelled at” in these meetings. That was her breaking point with the tech industry, and she launched into a personal exploration of welding, yoga, climbing, and other interesting activities.

A circus arts class in 2003 changed everything for her – “I came home literally bouncing up and down with excitement,” she recalled.  Over the next few years, she trained locally in aerial arts at locally and in Australia, which evolved into performing, subbing and then teaching.

Bev was hired by SPACE Design-Build Collective in 2008 to perform aerials during an open house, with the intention of attracting people interested in subletting their back room. By then, she knew she had enough potential students to start a studio, and decided that the quirky space with 30-foot ceilings would be an ideal fit. Versatile Arts was born.

Versatile Arts main focus is beginning and recreational aerialists, but is also accessible to professionals. “We’re good at making people successful wherever they are at,” commented Bev. She loves being in Phinney Ridge because it feels like the small town that she grew up in. “Plus, it’s nice to be able to teach a class, then walk down the street for a taco and a margarita.”

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

With the supply of qualified employees strained by the current economic atmosphere of Seattle, what can a small business do to ensure they have enough labor? The Teachers Lounge, which opened its doors in 2013, was founded with that question already answered: they have no employees.

Husband and wife team Perryn and Desiree Wright started out and still are the only employees of their comfortable and welcoming bar on 85^th and Greenwood. To retrofit the old skin division of the Greenwood Hair Academy, they did most of the work themselves – along with friends and family – on a “shoestring budget.” 

This ethos is still present at the Teachers Lounge: Desiree and Perryn make nearly all the food from scratch in their tiny kitchen, prep and serve it, bartend, bus tables, sweep floors, clean the bathroom, create proprietary Amaro cocktails – every last thing it takes to run a small business.

Most importantly, they are the faces and personalities that make the business special and are always there. Though, Perryn admits, “Desiree is the lynchpin of our community.” Over the next couple months, you may see some unfamiliar faces behind the bar. Desiree is engaged in her second battle with colon cancer and Perryn will be soldering on with friends and former coworkers helping out. 

That community – with the diehard regulars earning the moniker of “Homeroom Homies” – are treated to an intentionally distraction-free environment: no trivia nights, no live music, and quiet background soundtrack. “We want people to connect with each other – both the people they came with and the people around them.” 

Teachers Lounge
8505 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 706-2880
teachersloungeseattle.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

In an era of picking your own insurance price from a computer or faceless representative, there are still traditional relationship-based people that exist. Most of Jean Wall’s clients come from the Phinney Ridge-Greenwood area, and she is enamored that she gets to dedicate the attention of her business to “a small community in a big city.”

Jean spent 24 years working in retail, with the final years at Macy’s being the most transformational in giving her the leadership skills it takes to run a small business. As with Macy’s, she wanted a business with a great brand, utmost integrity, and one that runs “by the book.” That led her to settle on State Farm, which shares Jean’s vision that remarkable customer service is paramount for success.

When she was searching for a location, Phinney-Greenwood was the clear choice because of the “eclectic identity and the feeling that the neighborhood would grow up around me.” In the 9 years since that decision, the neighborhood has indeed flourished and brought attributes that Jean adores. In addition to the Greenwood Car Show and Seafair Parade, the Greenwood Senior Center has provided a sense of community and opportunity to help residents navigate their Medicare supplement plans.

Jean and her diverse office also actively patronize and partner with local businesses, hosting a monthly “Coffee and Connect” meeting across the street at Monkey Grind Espresso. “We can walk to lunch, walk to yoga, walk to our local hair stylist. We are a community of small businesses that support each other.”

Jean Wall State Farm Insurance
8520 Evanston Ave N #101
(206) 528-0411
jeanwallinsurance.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Who better to make you a sandwich than someone who is a sandwich geek?   Ryan O’Toole – whose original website was nowmakemeasandwich.com and goes out frequently to eat these bread innovations just because he “loves sandwiches” – has brought his passion to our neighborhood in the form of Valhalla Sandwiches.

Occupying a space that will soon be adjacent to the new Alice Ball Park, Valhalla started as a food truck in 2013 before transitioning to brick and mortar almost three years ago.   Ryan has a long history in food service, and when conceptualizing his food truck didn’t want to make traditional sandwiches.  He convened a group of “lifer” restaurant professionals and they “made whatever we thought might be cool.”   That ethos led to such menu staples as the “Thanksgetting”, with sliced turkey, bacon, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy and rosemary aioli on telera flatbread. 

Asked what sets Valhalla apart from other sandwich shops, Ryan was quick to answer with “customer service and ingredients.”  I can corroborate the former, as every time I have been in the shop I am always greeted immediately, warmly, and intentionally.  As for the latter, Ryan says that they put a lot of care into selecting their ingredients, and make as much as possible from scratch – including their chorizo and roasting some of their meats.  Most importantly, they make and grill every sandwich to order, which is essential in creating a great product.

Ryan grew up in Michigan and now lives in the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood.  He loves living and working in the same community: “if there’s a new American Dream, this is it.”    

Valhalla Sandwiches
8202 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 257-0658
valhallasandwiches.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Dispirited about the livability issues in our city and community?  If so, Kate Knappert at Salmon Bay Community Lending wants to chat with you.  “I want the people who won’t even try to get a mortgage right now who think they can’t afford to live in their own city.”

Salmon Bay was born out of an industry (mortgage brokering), a time (just before the Great Recession), and a person (founder Ruby Grynberg) that came together to produce an intentional antithesis of something that has been vilified in recent years.  As Kate tells it, Ruby was working for a mortgage broker in a time when the culture and practices of that industry were “pretty skeezy.”  Armed with a degree in social work and a love of math, Ruby felt drawn to the work but repelled by the environment.

When she founded Salmon Bay in 2006, it was with the vision of helping their borrowers responsibly achieve their homeownership goals in an environment that feels like home.  To wit, they intentionally moved from a commercial space in Ballard to a craftsman house in the heart of Greenwood because it fit with this ethos: “it feels like home.”

Additionally, they love being in the neighborhood because “Greenwood wants to be a community” and succeeds at this because people and businesses are eager participants.  Salmon Bay itself is a sponsor of the annual Rainbow Hop, and offer assistance in other community ventures such as Make Music Day and the Business Advisory Group, which Kate is a part of.

Kate, who sits on the Business Advisory Group, sums Salmon Bay up best: “We are really focused on our client’s end goals – getting you into your house and letting you sleep at night.”   

Salmon Bay Community Lending
7919 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 789-8629
salmonbaylending.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Hidden in the base of an apartment complex across from the Greenwood Library is a sometimes unnoticed part of our thriving business district.  That doesn’t stand in the way of Julia Corneloup and Kristina O’Reilly of the newly-opened Emerald City Hair.  Moving into the old S|SPA Aveda Salon in May of 2018, they have been popular since they made the leap into entrepreneurial ownership.

Julia was born and raised in Anchorage and has wanted to own her own salon since she was 12.  “I cut my cat’s whiskers, my sister’s hair, butchered my Barbies – pretty much anyone who would let me touch their hair was fair game.”  Her grandmother always told Julia she would be a hairdresser, but she instead followed the path that other family set out for her, earned a marketing degree and went into corporate banking.  “I hated every minute of it,” she recalled, “life is too short and I needed to pursue my dream.”  Julia packed up and headed to hair school in Seattle.

It here there that she met her future business partner, Kristina O’Reilly.  Coincidently, Kristina was also in the midst of fleeing her corporate banking job in New York City.  She was a recent graduate of hair school and decided on a whim to move to Seattle while she was visiting cousins on gorgeous, sunny November day. 

Both relish being entrepreneurs and love being in control of their success: “if you don’t do it, nobody will”.  They are an Aveda salon that can do pretty much anything having to do with hair outside of perms and relaxers – “from an auburn bob to a blue mohawk to a mermaid rainbow”, quipped Kristina.

Emerald City Hair Studio
8011 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 499-7933
emeraldcityhairstudio.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

Nik Palladino, owner and founder of Phinney Ridge Painting, thought he’d be doing international work in Malaysia at this point in his life.  However, a “one summer deal” while he was in college at the UW has turned into a career and a successful and highly recognized neighborhood business.

Palladino received his degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs as he was managing and establishing his business, still with the belief that the career was ahead of him was abroad.  However, he found himself contemplating going deep into debt for grad school to get a Master’s degree that would take him away from his beloved neighborhood.

He decided to buckle down and invest himself fully in his business.  He built a system for bidding, communicating, prepping, painting, and follow-up that has established Phinney Ridge Painting as a high-integrity company in an industry that can be characterized as “fly by night” at times.

Palladino, who learned the business from his father (who still owns a painting business in Olympia), is guided by the mantra of maximizing value for his customers and delivering a superior product and experience.   “I know when we paint a house, it will last for 14 years.  We warranty it fully for 7 years, which is 5 to 7 years more than most of our competitors.” 

Palladino describes the company mantra in every situation to be “what is the right thing to do?” This extends to his workforce, who he takes good care of and voluntarily loses money in the winter season to keep them employed with less profitable small jobs.

Phinney Ridge Painting
922 NW Leary Way
(206) 371-1441
phinneyridgepainting.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as 2019 winds down and turns to 2020, we are taking the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events Monday, January 6.

A European-style café in Greenwood?   It may be hard to believe for co-owners JJ Wandler and Steve Drzewicki that their low-key restaurant in the heart of Greenwood, Gainsbourg, is turning 10 years old later this month. 

Conceived of and opened in 2008 as the last recession was in full swing, Gainsbourg’s location was in the midst of the grittiest part of our neighborhood at that time.  “It was a struggle”, recalled Drzewicki, “It was the recession in a developing neighborhood and we wanted to bring in entry-level French food.  We weren’t particularly welcomed”. 

They have come a long way from $10 steaks and the first curious patrons poking tentatively at buttery escargot.  “No matter what idea you have for a business, you have to listen to the neighborhood and change to fit,” opined Drzewicki.   The result of 10 years of tinkering is an approachable, French countryside-inspired, non-pretentious cuisine that is enjoyed by a decade or regulars and new faces in the area.   “Once people aren’t scared of the snails any more, they come back for the duck and boar.”

Both JJ and Steve worked extensively in the food industry before coming together to create their restaurant, named after the infamous French musician and artist Serge Gainsbourg.  When a “couple of punk rock guys want to start an edgy French place,” what better “patron sinner” to have than a revered drinker, smoker, and eater?

Gainsbourg is indeed as unique and appreciated as the person it was named after, and has become a beloved part of our community as it has changed and evolved.

Gainsbourg
8550 Greenwood Ave N
(206) 783-4004
gainsbourglounge.com

Dear PhinneyWood readers, as we wind down 2019 and start into 2020, we are going to take the time to highlight some of our incredible neighborhood businesses that make PhinneyWood what it is. We will return to regular news and events on Monday, January 6.

If spinning classes on stationary cycles are dependent on the energy of the instructor, then City Cycle is well on its way to becoming a phenomenon. Backed by throbbing, empowering pop music synched with a dazzling lighting display, City Cycle’s classes are part exercise, part rave dance party, and all joy.

They are also clearly believers in music as a vehicle for motivation, as instructors cue their rides to a loud and inspiring playlist that makes the minutes pass by quickly.   Classes are held in a fairly dark environment, which is not only refreshing but also good for those of us who like to exercise in a somewhat anonymous fashion. 

While the classes themselves are action-oriented, founder Lauren Perry states she purposely wanted to “slow things down” when it came to the experience of taking a cycling class.  She always has someone at the front desk to greet and connect with riders, check them in, and ensure that they are prepared for the coming class. She believes fitness should be entertaining and accessible, and the environment at City Cycle is all this and more.

City Cycle is a community-driven studio that is dedicated to being fun and inclusive. Biking studios have popped up around the city in recent years, and many are dedicated to achievement and urgency.  In City Cycle, Greenwood really has a resource for fitness without judgement or worries about performance. Your first ride at the studio is FREE, so give it a try on one of our upcoming rainy and chilly days when you need to get your heart rate going!

City Cycle
117 NW 85th St
(206) 420-8963
citycycleseattle.com

If you or someone you know is looking for community and excellent food on Christmas Day, please come on by the Greenwood Senior Center. Doors open at noon with a light reception. The meal includes turkey, ham and all the trimmings. All are welcome!

Doors open at 12 pm; meal is served at 1 pm.  Free with donations gladly accepted.

Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.

Join Music Center of the Northwest in your Pajamas for winter crafting, dancing and singing to your favorite tunes, and support our community by giving back to FamilyWorks. Tickets are $5 per family, and please bring a non-perishable food item and/or new baby item to donate.

All donations and proceeds from the event will go to FamilyWorks. More info and how to purchase tickets is here.

Sunday December 22, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Music Center of the Northwest, 901 North 96th Street

For all of you who are intimidated by the often lengthy line to donate at our Ballard Goodwill and who miss the recently-closed donation center on Holman Road, your prayers have been answered.

A new donation center opened today in Crown Hill at the site of the old Value Village, 8532 15th Avenue NW.

The end of the year is the perfect time to donate to Goodwill!  The simple act of cleaning out your closets and donating to Goodwill helps with with free job training and education programs. Goodwill has some simple tips to help maximize your donations:

1. To keep pairs of shoes together, please tie them together by the laces or rubber band them together.
2. Rubber band or tape together boxes of games or puzzles.
3. Bag up clothing and linens to separate from other items.
4. Tape remotes to electronic devices. Tape a note to the electronic device indicating if it fully works.
5. Box or bag like items together such as putting all the clothes together or all the dishes together in one container.
6. For fragile items, please wrap them in paper and put them in a box and marked it “fragile.”
7. For furniture that needs assembly put all fasteners in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.

Join this favorite annual neighborhood singalong, led by Phinney Neighborhood Community Chorus! Expect a festive fire pit, hot cider, and Gary’s canopy to keep warm and dry.

This is a free neighborhood event, but a hat will be passed for donations to the Seattle Times Fund for the Needy.

Caroling Under Gary’s Canopy
Gary’s Auto Repair, 7418 Greenwood N.
Saturday December 21, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

There will be some new songs to sing, and there is a hot rumor that there may be a rendition of Ann Bowden’s famous “O PhinneyWood” (sung to the tune of O Christmas Tree):

O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

With spokes and strips of LED
That sparkle oh so merrily
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

High on the ridge with lights so bright
It twinkles, twinkles in the night
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

And all your monkeys round the ‘hood
Make us unique—that’s PhinneyWood
O PhinneyWood, O PhinneyWood
How lovely is your GloCone

A big Holiday Shout Out to our incredible PhinneyWood community who very generously donated to the Illumination Learning Studios Giving Box Fundraiser for FamilyWorks and the numerous Giving Trees in the neighborhood.

The Giving Box collected so much – 900 warm clothing items and 3 huge bags of food – that they were able share the spoils with FamilyWorks and the homeless encampment at Phinney Ridge Lutheran church on Greenwood. Many thanks to the businesses and organizations involved:

• Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple
• Phinneywood United Methodist Church
• Verity Credit Union
• Georgous Georges
• Cascadia Elementary School 
• Illumination Learning Studios

The PNA has also wrapped up another enormously successful Holiday Giving Tree. 7 local business hosted trees, and nearly 500 gifts have been purchased and donated to 9 local schools and non-profits as well as to the PNA Hot Meal Program and Senior Center. Many thanks to the businesses and organizations involved:

Phinney Center
Greenwood Senior Center
Whittier Kids
HomeStreet Bank Phinney
HomeStreet Bank Crown Hill
Umpqua Bank Greenwood
Nutty Squirrel Gelato
3 Wishes Seattle

Many individuals and families will benefit this year from this wonderful program and the generosity of this community. Thanks to all who participated!

Greenwood’s Pocket Theater, which opened in 2014 under the premise that artists could have a venue to perform in for free, is closing after this Saturday.

Per the theater’s Facebook page: “After five years and thousands of performances, my heart hurts to announce that the Pocket is closing at the end of 2019. The Pocket has been struggling financially and has proven unsustainable. The last night of shows will be Saturday, December 21st, 2019.

Our community is big, resilient, strong, compassionate, and certainly bigger than a physical space. As we mourn the loss of the Pocket space, I’m curious what our community will create next.

Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for performing, running tech and bar, donating through our Pocket Protector program, cheering on artists, throwing parties, teaching, EVERYTHING! Thank you. I’m so grateful.”

There are 4 shows this Friday night and a Final Day Party all day on Saturday – information and tickets can be found here.

The OK Chorale and the All Present Song Circle (an ESML-friendly community choir) will be singing a collection of holiday and winter favorites, guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. All proceeds will benefit the early stage memory loss programs pioneered at the Greenwood Senior Center.

Feel free to bring cookies to share with others, and bring your appetite!

Saturday December 21, 2:00 -4:00 pm | $10 suggested donation

Did you know we have our own North Seattle radio station? It’s true – KBFG 107.3 is a volunteer-run FM radio station dedicated to bringing quality programming and local music to Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, and surrounding areas of North Seattle.

The KBFG staff is 100% volunteer labor, but like any radio station has high overhead for operating costs: equipment expenses, music licensing fees, rent, insurance, and utilities. From 6:00 a.m. on December 20 to 6:00 a.m. on December 21, KBFG is holding a 24 hour Party and Pledge Drive with a goal of raising $5000 in much-needed funds.

They will play music, discuss local issues, and share the importance of local radio and a community-sourced media outlet. Thank you gifts will be sent out for all donations. Memberships will include one top tier gift opportunity per 3-hour DJ shift.

The vacant A-1 Piano building at 7020 Greenwood Ave N will be demolished today to make way for a rowhouse project. The small blue building (7006 Greenwood) in the center of the block was demolished on Friday due to an emergency order from SDCI.

Pedestrians and drivers should prepare for the sidewalk to shifted for the parking lane for approximately a month, followed by sidewalk and parking lane closures for three months.

Northwest Contour Building Company and Cone Architecture are partnering on the redevelopment of 7020 Greenwood Ave N. When it is complete, the new building will include 7 market rate rowhouses. Anticipated construction time is 9 months and should be completed by late Summer 2020.

Project Address: 7020 Greenwood Ave N. Seattle, WA 98103
Developer: Greenwood Collective llc. 
Applicant: Cone Architecture
Contact Person: Alex Pauly
Contact Information: (425) 766-9815 or alex@nwcontour.com

Local consignment store Kids on 45th is excited to announce a holiday giving-back program to support local nonprofit FamilyWorks, a family resource center and food bank that assists hundreds of children each year.

On December 16 from 4-6 p.m., Kids on 45th will host the FamilyWorks Family Shopping Night, a special holiday shopping event in which parents in the FamilyWorks network may choose holiday gifts or other necessities for their kiddos free of charge. Kids on 45th carries a variety of gently used and new clothes, shoes, toys, books, gear, and other childhood essentials. 

“Every child needs and deserves to have their basic necessities provided for, and to receive some special presents this holiday season,” said Elise Worthy, owner of Kids on 45th and mom of two. “We feel honored to have this opportunity to provide clothing, gear, and toys for some of Seattle’s neediest children.”

Kids on 45th customers have been generously contributing to this charitable giving campaign since mid November, and donations are still being accepted in store at 1720 N 45th St. in Seattle. In addition to cash contributions, Kids on 45th customers who have consignment credit available in their accounts also have the option to donate it to this campaign and help support Seattle families in need this holiday season. 

“Kids on 45th has been a tremendous partner over the years,” said Jake Weber, executive director of FamilyWorks. “They have always been there for our families when they are in need of clothing or supplies for their kids. Kids on 45th has been a true safety net that has been such a treasure. Thank you so much!” 

Both Kids on 45th and FamilyWorks are located on N. 45th St in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Kids on 45th is a local treasure and has been in operation for 30 years, outfitting generations of young Seattleites and providing an eco-friendly consumer experience for their parents. Nonprofit FamilyWorks assists hundreds of children each year, providing a vital support network for our community.

To sponsor a family in need for the FamilyWorks Family Shopping Night, contact Kids on 45th at store@kidson45th.com or 206-633-5437.

The Seattle Flu Study (SFS), which launched this week, gives the community a new way to track the spread of flu in Seattle neighborhoods. An interactive map shows flu circulation across the city and helps people that live in neighborhoods such as Phinney Ridge & Greenwood fight the flu with a real time view of flu circulation.

The study is currently recruiting residents of Seattle neighborhoods to help researchers better understand the flu and how we can keep our city safer. Participants of all ages can sign up to take part in the study by visiting www.seattleflu.org, or by stopping by one of seven study kiosks located across the city.

You’ll find additional details about the study in this week’s press release. Check it out!

The Ballard High School music program is pulling out all the stops with their free Winter Concert Series, Dec. 17, 18, and 19—and each night’s finale features selections from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, performed by a full symphonic orchestra and choir.

Enjoy three nights of performances by the award-winning BHS Choir, Band, and Orchestra programs, and for the finale, nearly 200 students from Advanced Chorale, Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra and select winds and percussion from Wind Ensemble will combine on stage for Carmina Burana. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Earl Kelly Center for Performing Arts at Ballard High School, 1418 NW 65th Street, Seattle.

Free seating is general admission (doors usually open shortly after 7 p.m.), but assigned seating can be reserved for a donation to the music program. Purchase tickets online at https://showtix4u.com; Look at upcoming events and search for “Ballard Choir Winter Concert”, etc.

In addition to the three nightly concerts, a dress rehearsal is open to the public on Monday, Dec. 16, 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. Senior centers or other groups who want to attend this daytime performance should contact Courtney Rowley at chrowley@seattleschools.org to let her know you’re coming.

Attention football fans: Seahawks Legends Manu Tuiasosopo & Alonzo Mitz are coming to the the Greenwood Senior Center. Suzanne Newman, CEO of Answers for Elders, teams up with former Seahawks as they visit senior communities for 12 Days throughout Greater Puget Sound. Now in its 8th year, former Seahawks want to thank you, the original 12s, who started the fandom Seattle is known for.

This is the first year that we will have one of the events in Greenwood. Look forward to a great celebration, complete with lunch and some surprises. Wear your Seahawks swag!

Monday December 16, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Please RSVP: 206.297.0875.
Visit www.12DaysofGoodness.com for more info

Seattle Parks and Recreation presents the Pathway of Lights 2019 at Green Lake. Experience the warm glow of luminaries, refreshments, and sounds of the season performed by local schools and artists. Bring your own lights to add to the ambiance to this free event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to benefit our local food bank, FamilyWorks. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Green Lake Community Center at (206) 684-0780.

Pathway of Lights 2019
Saturday December 14, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Perimeter of Green Lake

This month’s art walk partners with the Phinney Neighborhood Association and its monkeys to present PhinneyWood Phestivus, a holiday party for the neighborhood sponsored by Verity Credit Union Greenwood and Umpqua Bank.

This year’s event is focused on Santa Claus Lane in Piper Lane, the area between Fred Meyer and Verity Credit Union on Greenwood. Come by for:

• Appearances and photos with Santa and Mrs Claus, Frosty, Buddy the Elf and the Nutcracker
• Decorating a giant Gingerbread House with Illumination Learning Studios, as well as letter-writing to Santa
• Small artist craft sale inside the old Green Bean space (8525 Greenwood Ave N)
• Kids activities inside Seattle Recreative (8408 Greenwood Ave N)
• Live music, art and refreshments at Verity
• Under $50 art sale and snowflake making at Greenwood Collective Galleries
• Kid’s Craft night at Snapdoodle Toys and Games
• Free cocoa and candy canes from Illumination learning Studios and Fred Meyer
• Sweet and warm Mexican treats by Luna Azul
• Warm Clothing Drive by Title Boxing
• Holiday lighting by Piper Village
• Dog biscuit bar at Mud Bay

PhinneyWood Phestivus
Friday December 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Free!

Photo by Tiffany Tomkinson

Santa Claus is coming to town… and he wants to have breakfast with his favorite children.

A FREE breakfast for families and an opportunity to have a photo taken with Santa. Children will also receive a Christmas stocking and families will receive a board game of their choice.

Saturday December 14, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
The Salvation Army – Seattle Temple, 9501 Greenwood Ave N
Call 206-783-1225 to RSVP

Greenwood has a new showroom, the Whitney L. Anderson Art Gallery on 85th St. across from Fred Meyer. They are having their grand opening all weekend, open from 5pm – 9pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

KOMO News recently did a feature on Whitney that shows her unique collage process, and you can see that here. Here is her artist’s statement:

Whitney Anderson is a self/taught multidisciplinary artist specializing in pop cultural subject matter. She is currently exhibiting her collage collection which is purely made of thousands of small hand-cutouts from recycled magazines that she sources from local nail salons. A native from Mukliteo, WA, she hopes her dynamic art collection will enrich the community of people and enhance the national spotlight onto Pacific Northwest artists.

Whitney L. Anderson showroom grand opening, 143 N. 85th St #100
December 13, 14 & 15, 5:00 – 9:00pm each day
Please RSVP to whitneylaurelanderson@gmail.com

Come to Makeda and Mingus on Phestivus Art Walk Friday, December 13 from 6 – 9pm for a fun and unique family activity.

Kids join in the fun and build their own gingerbread house with provided supplies. Parents get their own fun and pre-select a hard cider (or two!) of their choice to enjoy at the gingerbread party or take home.

Ciders provided by PressThenPress, a new Phinney business that specializes in small batch and hard-to find ciders that you won’t find in any local stores.

Tickets can be pre-purchased here.

Makeda & Mingus Cider & Craft Night, 153 N 78th St 
Friday December 13, 6:00 – 9:00pm

By Krissie Dillin

A feel-good tale from our neighborhood…

The North Seattle 5’s, a co-op preschool housed in St. John’s Lutheran Church, recently asked the PNA if they could host a food drive for the Hot Meal Program. The school was very enthusiastic about the food drive and interested in helping the kids understand how the food connected back to the diners served on a weekly basis.

The Hot Meal Program decided to have the kids make a giant pot of “community soup” for the evening’s dinner at the kitchen, also at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The kids arrived eager to chop vegetables, add spices and create! After chopping veggies, each preschooler put their individual ingredients into one giant pot and all stirred together with a wooden ladle that has been part of the kitchen for over 20 years.

As students and volunteers chopped and stirred, they talked about the people that come to receive a free meal and how they might not have enough to eat or a home to make their own soup. Many of the children said they would share their food at their own homes.

The kids were then asked what to call the community soup, and responded with “yellow soup”, “Henry’s soup”, “veggie soup”, etc.  The most insightful answer – and eventual winner – came from a little girl who said “we should call it You’re Welcome Soup because that is what you would say when you serve it to someone.”

“Watching young children make a connection to the importance of serving others is incredibly humbling and rewarding”, reported Hot Meal Program Director Krissie Dillin. The PNA is grateful for North Seattle 5’s and their Hot Meal Program Food Drive which brought in two kitchen carts full of donated food and many happy diners. 

The Hot Meal Program serves free meals, three times a week to our neighbors and all are welcome to join us for a bowl of You’re Welcome Soup, anytime.

Share in the joy of Christmas Day with friends, family, and community at the PNA’s Annual Christmas Meal. Doors open at noon with a light reception. The meal includes turkey, ham and all the trimmings. All are welcome!

Must RSVP at 206.297.0875 by Friday, Dec. 1 3

Wednesday December 25, noon – 3:00 pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Free, donations gladly accepted.

The Greenwood Senior Center’s Practice English Talk Time group been collecting costume jewelry since early October, and there sure are a lot of treasures,

Find fascinating pieces from vintage to modern, and score some great new “bling” at very reasonable prices. All prices benefit the Greenwood Senior Center.

Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St.
Thursday December 12, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm (No early entry, please)

3R Technology, a new store in our community that recycles electronics and sells used computers, is offering free recycling of your old, non-working holiday lights all December. 3R is a place where you can take your lights and other electronics to be safely and responsibly recycled.

Their location is just a few blocks from downtown Greenwood and north of Phinney Ridge. You can read a more in-depth article about 3R here.

3R Technology North Seattle
9801 Aurora Ave N – (206) 472-6383

Sunday, Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 11 am to 6 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 5 pm

This month’s art walk partners with the Phinney Neighborhood Association and its monkeys to present PhinneyWood Phestivus, a holiday party for the neighborhood sponsored by Verity Credit Union Greenwood and Umpqua Bank.

Sadly, the last local company that rented trolleys is defunct, and we are without that facet of this annual event this year. However, there is a fantastic Santa Claus Lane full of fun for the whole family. This will be in Piper Lane, the area between Fred Meyer and Verity Credit Union on Greenwood. Come by for:

• Appearances and photos with Santa and Mrs Claus, Frosty, Buddy the Elf and the Nutcracker
• Decorating a giant Gingerbread House with Illumination Learning Studios
• Holiday lighting by Piper Village
• Live music, art and refreshments at Verity
• Under $50 art sale and snowflake making at Greenwood Collective Galleries
• Kid’s Craft night at Snapdoodle Toys and Games
• Free cocoa and candy canes from Illumination learning Studios and Fred Meyer
• Letter-writing to Santa
• Dog biscuit bar at Mud Bay

PhinneyWood Phestivus
Friday December 13, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Free!

Photo by Tiffany Tomkinson

This Messiah Sing & Play along is a beloved annual participatory event that is being held Sunday evening at St. John United Lutheran Church.

The evening begins with a few carols to warm up the voices, and concludes with coffee and cookies. Seated directly behind the orchestra, singers are invited to join together in the arias (there are no soloists) as well as the choruses. Instrumentalists are known to leave their orchestra seats to sing their favorite arias with the rest of the vocal section. Instrumental music is provided.

Admission is Free, but please bring a generous donation of non-perishable food or cash for FamilyWorks Food Bank.

Sunday, December 8 at 6:00 pm
St John United Lutheran Church
5515 Phinney Ave North

Come help plant some new green in Phinney Ridge! Volunteers from Forterra and others have been working at the Phinney Ave N & N 50th St triangle site for the past couple of years to remove weeds that were hurting the valuable and beautiful trees in the site. Now we are ready to plant healthy new ferns and other understory plants to protect the trees by keeping the ivy from returning. Tool and gloves provided, no experience necessary.

This is part of the City’s Trees for Seattle program which aims to expand our tree canopy and keep our air clean. The meetup location will be at the intersection of Phinney Ave N and N. 50th Street, the very SW corner of Woodland Park.  If you’re interested in participating you can RSVP at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S3X7WXW

The holidays are upon us and if you are looking for gifts for your loved ones, this is the preeminent event in the neighborhood for unique, handmade goods. Enjoy a holiday shopping experience in two historic buildings full of specialty goods by 120+ local artists and makers, curated by a jury.  You’ll find an excellent array of items: home goods, jewelry and accessories, art, pottery, apparel, gifts for cooks, gifts for guys, gifts for mom, gifts for kids, gifts for yourself, and so on.

Check out this year’s vendors

Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8, 10 am – 5 pm

Entry: $2 PNA Members / $4 public (cash/check) – it’s for a great cause, if we do say so ourselves. Children 12 and under are free.+ A suggested food item for the FamilyWorks Greenwood Food Bank (not required).

Location: Phinney Center | 6532 Phinney Ave N.

All-DAY ENTERTAINMENT
Take a break from shopping and enjoy performances on two stages— from bluegrass, jazz, and holiday pop to Middle Eastern, Morris, and Jewish dancing.

See the entertainment schedule

COFFEE, LUNCH, & TREATS
Munch tasty lunch items, grab an espresso drink at the Snowflake Cafe and indulge yourself with a huge bake sale selection. (Cash or checks only, please).

MIMOSAS & MORE GARDEN
Take a break from shopping and enjoy a mimosa, mulled wine, or a Figurehead Brewing beer in our outdoor beverage garden. (21+).

FESTIVAL PASSPORT
Visit all corners of the festival— Blue Building, Brick Building, outdoor vendors too! Get your event passport stamped in at least 5 out of 6 locations and be entered to win one of the many goodie bags with items crafted by some of our amazing makers.

WREATH SALE
Get fresh holiday decorations at The Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op wreath sale. The wreaths are responsibly grown in Oregon and are a beautiful Pacific Northwest blend of freshly cut noble fir, blue berried juniper, cedar and natural pinecones. They are $25 each and the proceeds support the preschool and scholarship fund.

QUILT RAFFLE
Enter to win a one-of-a-kind hand-made quilt crafted by Stash Busters. The quilt, “Phancy dancing on Phinney,” was inspired by book Slice ’em and Dice’em by Nancy Brenan Daniel.  The quilt raffle is a Winter Festival holiday tradition and proceeds benefit PNA programs. Tickets are $1 or $5 for 6 and will be available in the Blue Building lobby and in the Phinney Center office before the event.

SHOP FOR COMMUNITY
Not only are you supporting local artisans, but you are also contributing to PNA’s nonprofit programs–such as a hot meal program, the Greenwood Senior Center, memory -loss programming,  kids’ programs, a tool lending library, an art gallery, a community woodshop, as well as numerous community projects, events, and classes.

Does the season find you in the giving spirit? While you’re out and about, please be sure to take a tag from one of the various Giving Tree locations around the community to purchase gifts for neighbors in need. Most gifts are due back at the location you picked up the tag by next Tuesday (11^th) or Wednesday (12^th) so before you grab that tag, be sure that you can purchase and return the gift on time.

Each tree is filled with tags that detail gifts under $30 that some of our neighbors in need have indicated would bring joy to their holidays.

These gifts bring a much needed boost to children and adults from agencies including Broadview Emergency Shelter, Cate & Lakeview Apartments, Dorothy Day House, Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, FamilyWorks Food Bank, Greenwood Senior Center, PNA Hot Meal Program, and Whitman Middle School.

It’s easy to help! Pick up a gift tag (or two) at the following locations, then purchase the gift ($20-30) and return it to the location you picked up the tag by the due date (December 10 or after).

Phinney Center – 6532 Phinney Ave N
Greenwood Senior Center – 525 N 85th St
Whittier Kids – 1320 NW 75th St
HomeStreet Bank Phinney – 7307 Greenwood Ave N
HomeStreet Bank Crown Hill – 8050 15th Ave NW
Umpqua Bank Greenwood – 7120 Greenwood Ave N
Nutty Squirrel Gelato – 7212 Greenwood Ave N
3 Wishes Seattle – 7413 Greenwood Ave N

Email maryc@phinneycenter.org with any questions.

A new theatre company in Ballard, Empty Stage Theatre Company, is preparing for their holiday musical offering Plaid Tidings.

Empty Stage Theatre Company was created by Ballard High School theatre arts instructor Shawn M. Riley, choreographer and Multi-Arts teacher Eia Waltzer, and Seattle performer Gustavo Gutierrez. The three wanted to give the Ballard community a theatre company to call their own. With big plans for the summer of 2020, including day camps for children ages kindergarten through eighth grade, and the addition of second show, Empty Stage plans on being a fixture in the Ballard community for the foreseeable future.

In Plaid Tidings, “Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. This truly ‘heaven-sent’ holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony. “

Performance Details
The performances will be on December 7 and 14 at 7:30 pm and December 8 and 15 at 2:00 pm. Performances will be held at Earl Kelly Center for Performing Arts at Ballard High School, 1418 NW 65th Street, Seattle, Washington, 98117.

Tickets
Reserved seating tickets for Plaid Tidings are available for purchase at SHOWTIX4U.COM. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors and $10 for children 10 and under.

Luso, PhinneyWood’s own Portuguese food, wine and Port shop, is turning 8 years old. Owner and founder Fatima Hemmons is celebrating at a larger venue just a couple blocks south, the Greenwood Masonic Hall.

Says Hemmons, “this is going to be a fabulous event with an outstanding buffet, beautifully decorated hall, and Rock and Roll music to dance away or just enjoy listening to.” There will be live music from the Desolation Sounds and a generous buffet for all attendees to enjoy.

Call for reservations: (206) 694-3524.

Luso Food & Wine 8th Anniversary Party
Friday December 6, starting at 7pm
Greenwood Masonic Hall, 7910 Greenwood Ave N

Curbside recycling won’t take everything, but some things really don’t belong in the trash either. Ridwell is a local small business that makes regular pickups and partners with a variety of companies to reuse and recycle these items sustainably. Learn more about them and bring your questions! RSVP: 206.297.0875.

Thursday December 5, 1 – 2pm
Greenwood Senior Center – 525 N. 85th St.

As the ethos of reuse and recycle slowly seeps into our society, why not bring it to the Holidays? The PNA Fixers Collective is an informal group of folks who meet up “simply for the fun of taking stuff apart, putting it back together again, and maybe even fixing some things in the process.”

The idea is just to take a moment before throwing something away to figure out if you can save it and prevent yourself from having to buy a replacement. It’s also an excellent way to learn how things work and just enjoy some good company.

So grab that non-functional family lamp that’s in the garage or grandma’s Cuisinart mixer from the 1970’s that hasn’t run since the 90’s and bring them by True Value this Wednesday evening. Kids welcome!

Wednesday December 4, 6 – 8pm
Greenwood True Value, 7201 Greenwood Ave N

With a parcel of land in our neighborhood recently donated to be developed for actual affordable housing and as a community land trust, the PRCC is welcoming guest speaker on this topic for their monthly meeting this Tuesday.

Other topics include follow up to the Design Review Early Outreach Process, community issue survey results, and future policy updates. All are welcome!

Phinney Ridge Community Council monthly meeting
Tuesday December 3, 7 – 9pm
Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave N.

Phinney community member Bryant Carlin (often seen selling Real Change outside Red Mill) has joined forces with Conservation Made Simple to translate the experience of one man trekking alone through the Olympic National Forest into a story of changing environmental conditions and the ecological impact of man-made climate change.

Bryant has been camping in the Olympics for over 20 years, and has recently been making longer trips and taking lots more photos of nature and wildlife (ask him about the cougar or about the elk he found during his last trip!).

The project is called Visual Ballads, and the program launch takes place in PNA’s Community Hall on Tue Dec 3 at 5:30pm. RSVP online and come to the show!

Instagraham: https://www.instagram.com/visualballads/

Stories from Real Change:
*Real Change vendor Bryant Carlin captures a rapidly changing landscape
*Vendor Bryant Carlin prepares for wildlife photography assignment

Kick-off the holiday (monkey) season tomorrow evening with friends and neighbors. Bring the family for an evening of cheer as the Phinney Center air raid tower is set aglow with lights and monkeys. Enjoy free refreshments and caroling with the OK Chorale.

Saturday November 30, 5 – 5:30pm
Heart of Phinney Park, Air Raid Tower – 6532 Phinney Ave N

Shop local on this Small Business Saturday! Local vendors will be at HomeStreet Bank community room to help kick start your holiday shopping without the bothersome Amazon-related guilt.

Follow up with other great neighborhood choices for gifts and treats, such as 3 Wishes, Phinney Books, Terra Bella Flowers, and Labels.

Saturday November 30, noon – 6pm
HomeStreet Bank Phinney – 7307 Greenwood Ave N
Enter community room through door off Ken’s Parking Lot

The Woodland Park Zoo’s beloved holiday lights festival returns with sparkling lights, faux snowball fights (in the Zoomazium- don’t miss this), up close animal encounters, hot chocolate and family delights. Experience brand new wild and wonderful light displays that will be featured throughout the zoo including a holiday light spectacular at the zoo’s south entrance which will now be open throughout the run of WildLights.

Open November 29, 2019 through January 5, 2020
Closed December 2, 3, 9, 10, 24 and 25
Wildlights open 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Combine your trip this year with a family dinner or post-lights dessert at one of our great South Phinney eateries. The Zoo is partnering with select Phinney Business to offer dining discounts during WildLights.

Ada’s Restaurant & Bar, Zeek’s Pizza, The Park Pub, Windy City Pies, A La Mode Pies and Modern Japanese Cuisine are offering 10% off select items for zoo guests. Just show a WildLights ticket, zoo ticket or membership card between November 29, 2019 and January 5, 2020.

Coming to you live from the KTTC studios in the Jewell Mainstage Theatre, Taproot Theatre presents The Bishop’s Wife: A Live Radio Play. Based on the classic Lux Radio Theatre broadcast starring Cary Grant, this original adaptation of the beloved holiday tale will fill you with warmth and nostalgia for the golden age of radio.

The beloved holiday film comes to life as a live radio broadcast with you as the in-studio audience. Dudley is an angel and the answer to Bishop Brougham’s prayer to build a new cathedral. But when the angel turns his attention to the bishop’s friends and family, Dudley’s minor miracles require divine intervention. Join the Taproot this Christmas season for a story of love, family and blessings in disguise.

WHEN: November 27 – December 28, 2019 • Wed/Thu, 7:30 PM; Fri/Sat, 8:00 PM; Sat matinee, 2:00 PM

WHERE: Taproot Theatre Company’s Jewell Mainstage Theatre, 204 N 85^th St

Tickets are available online at taproottheatre.org, by phone 206.781.9707 or in person at 204 N 85^th St.

The 32nd Annual PNA Winter Beer Taste was a sell-out success! 997 friends helped us raise a record-breaking $35,177 for PNA’s programs and services for seniors, kids, and community.

Congratulations to the people’s choice award winners:

1. Lucky Envelope Brewing: The Upside Down (Pineapple Cake)
2. Rooftop Brewing Co.: Barrel Ride Russian Imperial Stout
3. Black Raven Brewing Co.: Stranger Things Cask Beer Specialty Brew

Cider: Republic of Cider: Winter Melon

Special love to the 38 breweries and cideries that participated and donated their products, as well as the 97 volunteers and the 21-person Beer Taste Committee who manage so many details – large and small.

The PNA would like to extend huge thanks to the 74th Street Ale House for their 24 years of Beer Taste sponsorship and to KBFG 107.3, our own North Seattle community FM station, who kept the beer taste grooving with awesome tunes.

Now… Mark your calendars for 2020!

Saturday, July 18 – 15th Annual Summer Beer Taste – 30+ awesome, local breweries, outside in the great Seattle summer weather

Saturday, November 14 – 33rd Annual PNA Winter Beer Taste

The Phinney Neighborhood Association is throwing their annual Thanksgiving potluck this Thursday! Originating some 20 years ago, the event offers a classic warm meal to everyone and anyone. PNA is cooking the turkey with the rest of the meal coming from volunteers in the community.

To RSVP or volunteer, call 206-783-2244 or email PNA at pna@phinneycenter.org.

Thursday November 28, 4 – 6pm – FREE

Real Change has an excellent round-up of other free meals and – most importantly – other ways to volunteer and give back around Seattle. This Thanksgiving weekend, support your community by donating to nonprofits, preparing meals for the less fortunate and spreading holiday cheer.

Find about excellent and invigorating opportunities HERE.

Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church will be hosting Tent City 3 for three months beginning December 7. The church has hosted TC3 twice before. It is a legal, resident-run, city funded safe and productive shelter for about 50-80 individuals without a home.

Potential residents are screened against the sex offender registry, adhere to a thorough code of conduct including no drugs or alcohol, and commit to bettering the neighborhood through litter and security patrols. According to PRLC, studies have shown that crime decreases in neighborhoods that host Tent City 3, and had a “stellar reputation around town.”

Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church will be hosting a neighborhood informational meeting at the church on the evening of November 25 from 6-8pm. You are invited to hear from residents and church staff, ask questions, and help shape this upcoming event. If you aren’t able to make the meeting and have any questions, please email outreach@prlc.com.

PhinneyWood is full of wonderful people and great places that we all wish we knew more about. Resident Kevin Kozel periodically digs deeper to let us know more in a column we like to call … Hi Neighbor!

With our busy schedules it can be easy to forget some of the resources that make living in PhinneyWood so great. Every so often we are reminded that accidents happen when we hear the sirens and see the flashing lights of the firetrucks coming from the fire station on Greenwood Ave. Let’s take some time to get to know Captain Kyle White and learn how he and the firefighters of Fire Station 21 are keeping us safe.

Kevin Kozel (KK): How long have you been a firefighter?

Captain White (CW): I’ve been with the department for 26 years, but at this station for about a year and a half. I’ve spent my whole career in the Southend prior to this. Thirteen years in Rainier Valley and 10 years on Beacon Hill. I was a training instructor for a couple of years in between.

KK: And how are you enjoying PhinneyWood?

CW: It’s nice! I didn’t know a lot about it. I think I needed to look at a map to find it when I got promoted and they sent me here! The neighborhood is very cool. I like the PNA and how involved they are in the community. They’ve got lots of activities planned throughout the year. It’s good to be working in a neighborhood where you feel like you’re in a neighborhood. We don’t have a lot of the issues up here that we have in other parts of the city, which is nice too.

KK: And who else is here with you?

CW: There are four of us here right now. There’s myself and I’ve got a (fire engine) driver and two firefighters. We have four different crews of four that work here. The personnel we have can change from day to day. For example, my regular driver is off today, so the department has sent another firefighter here from a different station to fill for the shift. The way each Fire Station is setup is pretty standard across the Seattle Fire Department, so you can go pretty much anywhere in the city and plug right in with a crew and know what you’re supposed to do. It makes it pretty nice.

KK: Teamwork is very important in doing what you do. I’d imagine being structured like that makes it easier.

CW: There’s a lot of training involved. From the day you start drill school all the way through the end of your career you’re training daily on various aspects of the job. We do a lot of training within the department so you’re often training with other stations within the city. That way everyone is on the same page.

KK: We have a lot of very nice and modern looking stations in Seattle, and this one is no exception.

CW: They built this new station in the past seven/eight years. The one here prior was built back in the 40s or 50s, and, typical of buildings at that time, it didn’t really serve the function of what we do today. A lot of them have been torn down and rebuilt, or significantly remodeled. The levee that was approved several years ago allowed for that. I don’t think there is a station in the city that wasn’t improved by that in some way. 

KK: What are some things people should do to reduce alarm calls to the station?

CW: We’re getting into the cold weather now, so make sure you have a technician look at your furnaces before you fire them up. For the baseboard heaters, check for toys and that they are clear of drapes. Make sure you keep the flue open in your fireplace if you are building a fire. And of course the most important thing is to make sure your smoke detectors work. It’s a $20 piece of equipment that will save your life. If you have limited income the fire department will give them to you. You can get that information on the website.

On the EMS side, better self-care helps. We don’t have a problem coming out, but our coverage is limited. If we have to come see you for something that is fairly minor, that means there is no fire protection in this area. Getting pulled away for non-emergencies can have a major impact on something else, so think about your neighbors.

KK: A lot of children want to be firefighters when they grow up. Have you always wanted to be a firefighter?

CW: No, not at all! I grew up in a rural community where all the firefighters were volunteers, so I never thought of it as a career. I was naive. I became a volunteer in high school. Years later my buddies told me they were going to take the Seattle test. That was when I found out I could get paid for this, so I signed up.

KK: What do you enjoy most about being a firefighter?

CW: The variety of things you can do in a day can really change. There’s a lot to learn and people expect a lot of you. You never know what might happen in five minutes, and that unknown keeps you on edge and keeps you interested. We all think we’ve got the best job in the world.

If you’d like to say “hello” to Captain White and the other fire fighters at Fire Station 21, feel free to stop by or give them a wave at 7304 Greenwood Avenue North. You can often see them in the Watch Office right up front next to the garages. To learn more about the SFD visit https://www.seattle.gov/fire.

Any person, place, or thing you want to know more about in our neighborhood? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and we’ll look into making it a future feature on Hi Neighbor!

Share your abundance and bring joy to those in need in the community by participating in the PNA’s annual Giving Tree. Each tree is filled with tags that detail gifts under $30 that some of our neighbors in need have indicated would bring joy to their holidays.

These gifts bring a much needed boost to children and adults from agencies including Broadview Emergency Shelter, Cate & Lakeview Apartments, Dorothy Day House, Robert Eagle Staff Middle School, FamilyWorks Food Bank, Greenwood Senior Center, PNA Hot Meal Program, and Whitman Middle School.

It’s easy to help! Pick up a gift tag (or two) at the following locations, then purchase the gift ($20-30) and return it to the location you picked up the tag by the due date (December 10 or after).

Phinney Center – 6532 Phinney Ave N
Greenwood Senior Center – 525 N 85th St
Whittier Kids – 1320 NW 75th St
HomeStreet Bank Phinney – 7307 Greenwood Ave N
HomeStreet Bank Crown Hill – 8050 15th Ave NW
Umpqua Bank Greenwood – 7120 Greenwood Ave N
Nutty Squirrel Gelato – 7212 Greenwood Ave N
3 Wishes Seattle – 7413 Greenwood Ave N

Happy Holidays!

Ken’s Market, a proud and legandary part of the Phinney Ridge/Greenwood Neighborhood since 1955, has long been a staunch supporter of small local business. By shopping at Ken’s this holiday season, you not only support a local family owned grocery store but also the many local companies that they stock on their shelves.

Even better, this year you can shop at Ken’s from the comfort of your home! Ken’s Market has partnered with Wolfgang Delivers, a local, grocery shopping & delivery service powered by the dumpling app. 

You can read a nice article about Wolfgang here. To get your all Thanksgiving necessities delivered by downloading the dumpling app. 

3 Wishes, our darling shoe, clothing and accessory boutique, is holding a customer appreciation and holiday open house tomorrow night from 6 – 8pm. There will be live jazz music, treats, libations, a gift certificate giveaway, and much more at this free community event!

Saturday November 22, 6 – 8pm
3 Wishes Seattle, 7413 Greenwood Ave N

Meet Pacific Northwest authors and get signed copies of their books for yourself or holiday gifts. Now in its 10th year, this much-anticipated event connects our book-loving community. Authors do short readings. Phinney Books handles the sales. We take your donated books for the Pocket Library program. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas and the PNA.

Facebook event – Invite friends & read artist quotes
Saturday November 23, 3 – 5pm
Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave N

Participating authors:

Kathleen Alcala
Erica Bauermeister
JL Brown
Lynn Brunelle
Deb Caletti
J Anderson Coats
Tim Egan
Elizabeth George
Jennifer Gold
Jennifer Haupt
Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Beth Jusino
David Laskin
Louisa Morgan
Kevin O’Brien
Anna Quinn
Kim Brown Seely
Gina Siciliano
Rachel Lynn Solomon
Garth Stein
Nathan Vass
Urban Waite
Tara Austen Weaver
David B. Williams

Reading schedule:

3:00 pm: Louisa Morgan
3:15 pm: Jennifer Gold
3:30 pm: Nathan Vass
3:45 pm: Kim Seely Brown
4:00pm: JL Brown
4:15 pm: Beth Jusino
4:30 pm: Erica Bauermeister
4:45 pm: Jennifer Haupt

Join us for an all-ages event to celebrate and say farewell to outgoing Phinney Neighborhood Association Executive Director Lee Harper. Lee was only the second ED in the PNA’s 39-year history, and this is the opportunity for the community to say thank you for ten years of leadership and service to our neighborhood. Also, you can meet the new Executive Director, Dar’Nesha Weary. You can read Lee’s farewell letter here.

Appetizers and drinks provided. All are invited to this free event!
Friday November 22, 6 – 8pm
Phinney Center, Blue Building, Room 7 – 6532 Phinney Ave N

The rules regarding backyard cottages have recently changed.  Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn what is possible under the new code and how to establish a realistic budget for your cottage.

Cost: $15/PNA Member, $20/Public
Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6
Register or call 206.783.2244

State law provides two tax benefit programs for senior citizens and the disabled: property tax exemptions and property tax deferrals. Yet more than 26,000 qualified seniors and disabled persons have yet to register for the exemption, and only 1 in 100 of those eligible for deferrals are currently enrolled.

Here is the link where you can sign up with the King County Assessor’s Office to receive an email when the updated 2020 application for Senior Property Tax Exemption is available.

The process of applying is fairly simple, and you can learn more about the two programs here.

For any and all in the neighborhood who just cannot get enough turkey! Join your neighbors for an early Thanksgiving lunch with all the fixings among friendly folks.

Friday November 22, noon – 2pm. $5.00
Greenwood Senior Center – 525 N. 85th St
RSVP at (206) 297-0875

Recently opening a second school in the former AutoZone building on 92nd and Greenwood, Seattle Amistad School was founded in Seattle’s Central District to foster community integrity through rigorous bilingual and bicultural education.

Amistad Norte opened in September 2018 and now has three classes: Nido (toddler care), PreK and Kindergarten. They will grow with the kids, adding a grade level each year through 5th grade. They are now accepting applications for 2020-2021 school year for Nido, PreK, and Kindergarten to 2nd grade. Please see their admissions page for more information on deadlines.

Families looking to learn more about the school and in enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year are invited for a tour next Wednesday November 20. During this 45-minute tour families can meet the teachers, current parents and visit classrooms. At the end of the tour, parents are invited to a Q&A session with Paula, Director of Seattle Amistad School Norte.

Seattle Amistad School Norte – 9218 Greenwood Ave N
Wednesday November 20 tour in English – 10am – reserve a spot here
Wednesday November 20 tour in Spanish – 2pm – reserve a spot here

Join us for an all-ages event to celebrate and say farewell to outgoing Phinney Neighborhood Association Executive Director Lee Harper. Lee was only the second ED in the PNA’s 39-year history, and this is the opportunity for the community to say thank you for ten years of leadership and service to our neighborhood. Also, you can meet the new Executive Director, Dar’Nesha Weary. You can read Lee’s farewell letter here.

Appetizers and drinks provided. All are invited to this free event!
Friday November 22, 6 – 8pm
Phinney Center, Blue Building, Room 7 – 6532 Phinney Ave N

Seattle’s longest-running beer-related event, the beloved PNA Winter Beer Taste, is almost sold out. This year’s PNA Beer Taste takes on a Stranger Things theme. Don’t panic. You won’t get caught in the Upside Down and you won’t get attacked by the Demogorgon. Just beer. The list of participating breweries is below. In all, 38 breweries will pour beer at the event.

Get tickets here

BREWERIES

• Aslan Brewing Co.: Lambo Tape Deck Double IPA, King Moonracer Holiday Ale, Rauch Bock Smoked Lager, Gravity keg of Canadian Lager
• Bale Breaker Brewing Co.: High Camp Winter IPA, Cedar Shadow Stout
• Black Raven Brewing Co.: Festivus Holiday Pale Ale, Nothing But Haze, Stranger Thing Cask Beer from Black Raven Brewing-Specialty Brew
• Bosk Brew Works: Hope-Heads – IPA, Dogwood Rust – Märzen
• Boundary Bay Brewery: Hazy About You IPA, Cabin Fever
• Chuckanut Brewery: Chuckanut Pilsner, Chuckanut Rauch Märzen
• Counterbalance Brewing Co.:Mandarina Hazy IPA, Kushetka Russian Imperial Stout, Verboten Vanilla Porter
• Diamond Knot Craft Brewery: Lower Deck Lager, Tropic Island Stout, Heart Piece Hazy IPA
• Dirty Couch Brewing Co.
• Dru Bru: Black IPA, Sticke Alt
• Figurehead Brewing Co.: Woodrow 2019 Imperial Milk Stout, Fishermen’s News IPA, Aroma of Tahoma
• Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery: Pumpkin Schwartz, The Sinner Abbey Style Strong Dark Ale
• Fremont Brewing Co.: Mod Pod IPA, Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Star, Winter Ale: Winter Beer Taste Edition
• Georgetown Brewing Co.: October IPA, Johnny Utah Pale Ale, Tombourbon Brown Ale,
• Ghostfish Brewing Co.: It Came from the Haze, Hazy IPA – Fall Ed, Polar Nights Whisky Barrel Aged Porter, Peak Buster DIPA
• Hellbent Brewing Co.; All Spruced Up Winter Ale, The Freaks Come Out at Night Imperial Stout
• Lazy Boy Brewing: Mistletoe Bliss, Oatmeal Stout with Maple and Pecans
• Lucky Envelope Brewing: The Upside Down (Pineapple Cake), Lucky Envelope Helles Lager
• Maritime Pacific Brewing Co.: Jolly Roger, Cherry/Brandy Jolly Roger 2019
• Old Stove Brewing Co.: Tasty Market IPA, Don’s Fall Surprise
• Outlander Brewery: Holy Basil Pale Ale, Oak-aged Oud Bruin
• Pike Brewing Co.: Third Story Cherry Stout
• Populuxe Brewing Co.: Blackberry Sour, The Big Dark
• Portland Cider: Pineapple Rosé, Peach Berry
• Ravenna Brewing Co.: Bourbon Barrel Aged Lion Tamer Vanilla Porter, Oak Fermented Shipwrecked Guava Gose Sour Ale, TBD Hazy IPA
• Republic of Cider: Winter Melon, Sidra de Los Muertos
• Reuben’s Brews: Hazealicous POG IPA; Roasted Rye Grapefruit IPA, Cinnamon Raisin Rye, BBIS
• Rooftop Brewing Co.: Up on the Rooftop Holiday Ale, Barrel Ride Russian Imperial Stout
• Salish Sea Brewing Co.: BLIZZAK Imperial Red Winter Ale, Citr Pale
• Scuttlebutt Brewing Co.: Night Circus Coconut Coffee Ale, Bali Ha’i
• Seapine Brewing Co.: Positron Hazy IPA, Seapine Pilsner
• Seattle Cider Co.: Spiced Peach, Punchbowl
• Silver City Brewery: Wonderland Winter Lager, Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Scrooge, Tropic Haze IPA, Ride the Spiral Pineapple-Orange Double IPA
• Snapshot Brewing Co.: Dark Room IPA, Blood Moon Amber
• Standard Brewing Co.: 764-HERO, New Money
• Stoup Brewing Co.: Viafuct IPA, Dia de los Muertos Imperial Porter
• Two Beers Brewing Co.: Tipsy Toboggan, Wonderland Trail IPA
• Urban Family Brewing Co.: Moonstone, Deep Magic Porter

Hopscotch will be back at Geo’s this Friday November 15 for their Friday Night Dinner and Live Music.

Hopscotch is the brainchild of pianist Charlie Hiestand and singer-songwriter Jeanie Mishler. They’ve teamed up with a collection of Seattle sidemen to bring to life songs they’ve co-written and arranged in the jazz genre. Influenced by bands like Pink Martini and traditional big bands, this smaller jazz band serves up both standards and original swing, latin, and blues tunes with a touch of quirky comedy and tap dancing thrown in.

Geo’s offers a menu of fabulous authentic Cuban food, craft cocktails and a terrific wine selection. All ages welcome. No cover charge. Mark your calendars and make your dinner reservations!

Geo’s Bar & Grill – 10515 Greenwood Ave N
Hopscotch Jazz – Friday November 15, 6:30 – 9pm

Pulse Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) is an alternative therapy that creates a gentle, pulsing magnetic field that energizes unhealthy cells and purportedly stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself. PEMF has been shown to be effective at helping gain relief naturally from chronic pain and long term illnesses.

Pulse Pro Health of Seattle was founded in 2019 in the Ballard Neighborhood in order to provide relief from pain related to a multitude of health issues. Owner Trishann Couvillion was severely injured in a car crash on the Seattle Viaduct in 2013. Years of declining health and resonating pain followed, along with her quest to find relief in the most natural ways possible. After using massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and other forms of treatment, she then discovered PEMF.

Trishann is teaming up with Body By Impulse to demo PEMF to the neighborhood this Saturday (11/16) and Monday (11/18). You can sign up for a free 20-minute demo by calling (206) 850-5809. Space is limited!

Pulse Pro Health PEMF demos at Body By Impulse
7107 Greenwood Ave N
Saturday November 16, 10am – 4pm
Monday November 18, 11am – 4pm

Chefs+TogetherSEATTLE is holding their annual Dine Out to Change Lives event this Thursday, and we have two local participants: Nutty Squirrel and Caffe Vita.

Participating establishments will donate 10% of proceeds from November 14 to the NW Immigrant Rights Project, a Washington state-based non-profit that has been defending and advancing the rights of immigrants in Washington State since 1984 and serves over 20,000 community members from over 130 countries every year.

The largest legal-services organization serving low-income immigrants and refugees in the Pacific Northwest, NW Immigrant Rights Project provides legal representation and assistance to immigrants, including representing people who are seeking protection from deportation, safety from violence, the ability to reunite with loved ones, citizenship, or new opportunities in work and education

Take the family to one of these businesses on Thursday to help make the world a better place for all!

Nutty Squirrel Gelato – 7212 Greenwood Ave N. Noon – 9pm
Caffe Vita – 7402 Greenwood Ave N. 6am – 7pm

After 10 years on the job as the PNA’s second-ever Executive Director, Lee Harper announced earlier this year that she had decided to move on to new challenges, which set off a 6-month search for a new ED.

Over 100 applicants were whittled down to 11 finalists. Though all 11 candidates interviewed in person were highly qualified, three exceptional finalists emerged. The full Board interviewed each finalist at a special Board meeting on October 29. Following deliberations, the Board chose Dar’Nesha Weary for the position. Dar’Nesha will begin at the PNA on December 2.

Dar’Nesha is a Seattle native who comes to us after over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector, where her mission has been to serve others, build community, and make a positive impact by challenging racism, promoting acceptance of people from different backgrounds, raising awareness, and using her voice to address hate and to promote kindness.

She began her career right here in the neighborhood as a Program Director at the Greenwood Boys and Girls Club. For the latter part of her career, she has risen in the ranks of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, beginning as the Dale Turner Branch Membership Engagement Director and ending in the corporate office as the Program Executive of Membership, overseeing membership engagement operations of 14 branches.

In her spare time, Dar’Nesha is the director of the award-winning Northside Step Team, which recently worked with the artist LIZZO(!) on a sisterhood project, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (one of 9 Historically Black Greek Organizations).  She is exceedingly active with community engagement and education around diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the greater Seattle area. Dar’Nesha has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling from Capella University.

Illumination Learning Studios, Family Works and the Seattle Public Library are hosting a special story time about giving thanks and helping our community members in need.

They will be sharing stories about gratitude and MITTENS! Many of our community members are in need of clothes to keep warm. If you’d like to donate a pair of new mittens to a child in need, please bring a pair of mittens with you to story time.

Can’t make this event? Not to worry – Verity Credit Union, The United Methodist Church, and Illumination Learning Studios will also be hosting giving boxes through December 2. Neighbors can donate at any of those sites new hats, gloves/mittens, socks, and scarfs.   

Wednesday November 13, 10:15am and 11:15am
Greenwood Branch of Seattle Public Libraries
8016 Greenwood Ave. N

Beers don’t lie. Come see why at the 32nd Annual PNA Beer Taste.Don’t worry, the PNA won’t trap you in the Upside Down, but they will gather you in a historic, haunted schoolhouse with 38 local breweries for a cozy night of beer drinking.

If you’ve never been to a PNA Winter Beer Taste — a favorite among tasters and brewers alike — you don’t want to miss it.

Tickets include:
*Ten “generous” tastes  of local craft beer and cider (some specially brewed for this event)
*Pub snacks and tasty homemade treats
*A silent auction of unique and not-so-unique beer paraphernalia

Enjoy this popular event without the crowds at the special VIP Tasting which starts at 6:15 pm. For an additional $25 tax-deductible donation, VIP tickets include a complimentary PNA glass, a spread from 74th St. Alehouse, sliders and slaw, and no lines. Get a chance to chat with the folks behind your favorite brews and take your time choosing your tastes.

And it’s not just about beer…this event supports PNA’s nonprofit programs for seniors, kids, people in need, and the entire community!

Regular Tickets:
PNA Member $25  (Learn about PNA Membership / Sign up)
Non-Member $35
Designated Driver $10

VIP Tickets – 6:15 pm ($25 is tax-deductible):
PNA Member $50  (Learn about PNA Membership / Sign up)
Non-Member $60
Designated Driver $25

Get Tickets Here!

Independent toy stores all over the country will kick off the holiday season by hosting Neighborhood Toy Store Day on Saturday November 9th to celebrate their community, the value of shopping local, and the joy of play. Hundreds of toy stores celebrate with family-friendly activities, in-store specials and more.

Our beloved local toy store, Snapdoodle (formerly Top Ten Toys), is participating tomorrow from 10am – 2pm. Drop by with your family to test toys from their Holiday Catalog and enjoy some tasty treats.

Snapdoodle Toys and Games – 120 N 85th St.

Naomi Tomky, who writes about food and travel for Saveur, Fodor’s, The Atlantic’s CityLab, Vogue, Food & Wine, and other publications will be at Body By Impulse (7107 Greenwood Ave N) during the Phinneywood Artwalk to sign her new cookbook. There will be wine, fish, and pizza, with books for sale from 6 – 9pm. Also take time to meet the owner of Body By Impulse, Michka Mirzanejad, and learn about the city’s only Electro Muscle Stimulation studio.

This is part of the monthly Art Up PhinneyWood artwalk that promotes over 40 participating venues in the Greenwood-Phinney neighborhood. Come out and cruise the neighborhood from 6-9pm and check out the latest art and special offerings.

See this month’s line-up & map

Illumination Learning Studio (ILS) on 78th and Greenwood had a special visitor this week on Election Day.  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal made a stop to visit student one student in particular who wrote to her office asking about elections and why kids can’t vote.  The Congresswoman and her staff met privately with the student, his brother and parents, then participated in a special ILS town hall with all of the students attending Illumination’s After School classes.  

Students asked a range of questions; everything from the climate crisis to the impeachment inquiry, what congress does and why she got into politics. They were also very particularly interested in learning about ways in which they can get involved in issues that matter to them, even though they are too young to vote.  Mrs. Jayapal had some great recommendations for them which include volunteering for candidates, initiatives or campaigns that are important to them and talking to as many people as they can about why these particular topics or people matter to them.  She encouraged them to use their voices and to encourage family members who are of age to get out and vote during elections!

A Divorce Support Group will be meeting weekly at the Phinney Ridge HomeStreet bank community room starting this Friday. This secular group has been formed so people going through this process or recovering do not have to do it alone or rely only on friends and family for support. Group focus will be on stress management and community building.

There is no charge to attend the group, only a requested donation for admin fees. Presented by Terrah Cox of idomediation.com.

Ongoing, Fridays at 6pm starting on November 8
HomeStreet Bank Phinney – 7307 Greenwood Ave N
Enter community room through door off Ken’s Parking Lot

Join the thousands of people saving money and having fun driving an electric car. Presented by Mark Schiller, Former Vice-President of the Seattle Electric Vehicle Association.

This talk will cover how they work, how and where to charge them, costs of ownership, resale value, what’s available, incentives to purchase, and generally what to consider when getting plugged in. Visit www.seattleeva.org/wp/ for more information.

Wednesday November 6., 1 – 2pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St.
RSVP: 206.297.0875.

With all the revelations in the news about irresponsible e-waste spread over the world, we now have a good option right in our community.

3R Technology, voted King County Green Small Business of the Year in 2016, is the most certified and trusted electronics recycler in the Pacific Northwest.  Using a properly certified electronics recycler helps ensure that your e-waste material is managed in a responsible and environmentally safe manner, and that your data is safe.

On site is also a Reuse Outlet Store that provides an affordable, quality alternative to purchasing new technology. Buying refurbished can help minimize impact on the environment and save money. Inventory includes laptops, tablets, Macbooks, smart phones, desktop computers, displays, printers, servers, network equipment, AV and stereos, and tons of parts and peripherals for the DIY enthusiast.

3R Technology North Seattle
9801 Aurora Ave N – (206) 472-6383

Sunday, Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 11 am to 6 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 5 pm

This month’s meeting will feature a recap of the October D6 Candidate Forum, as well as guest speakers from the Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Construction.

The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is now assisting developers with community outreach. Rules have changed recently and now there are even fewer requirements for developers to have public meetings to “simplify the permit process” on smaller projects. Other medium-sized projects invite only written comments.   

A number of upcoming Phinney Ridge projects proposed for south of N 80th St. fall into these categories. The purpose of this discussion with DON is to understand the new modified rules and find out how to best make constructive comments on these projects so that they enhance our neighborhood character.

You can find the complete agenda for the meeting here.

Phinney Ridge Community Council November meeting
Tuesday November 5, 7pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center – 6532 Phinney Ave N

On October 22, members of the Ballard P-Patch and surrounding community met at City Hall to petition the budget committee for funds from the Sweetened Beverages Tax. You can read more about the plight of the P-Patch here.

To date, the Ballard P-Patch has raised over $50,000 and gathered over 3,000 signatures from 18 local organizations and thousands of individuals in support of saving the garden.

Members of the Ballard P-Patch brought this information along with numerous letters of support to the budget committee, and are hopeful that the strong support of the community will help influence their decision to allocate funds for the P-Patch program.

You can help by sending a note to the Mayor (jenny.durkan@seattle.gov) and the entire City Council (council@seattle.gov) in support of the P-Patch and advocating for City funds to help the effort.

Looking for a quick and easy way to give back to your community? Come to the annual shoreline milfoil clean-up this Sunday at Greenlake.

When milfoil is left to die it uproots and washes up on the shore to decay. When it decays it releases phosphorus and nitrogen back into the lake contributing towards algae spikes year round. Anyone remember the “Greenlake Itch” from swimming in the lake years back? The goal is to prevent this!

This is hosted by Seattle Milfoil, who will be giving out hot coffee, donuts, gloves and tools. The Parks Department is partnering and will be allowing for strategic piles all around the lake to be trucked out at a later date.

Participants will be meeting is at 10am at the Greenlake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Dr N.

Have you raked more leaves than can fit in your food and yard waste cart? Seattle Public Utilities provides free extra yard waste pick up for household customers in November. Just set out your extra yard waste next to your food and yard waste cart on your collection day. SPU will accept up to 10 bags of extra yard waste total per household between November 1 and 30. (That’s 10 extra bags for the month, not 10 extra bags per collection day.)

Extra yard waste must be in paper bags or placed in an extra container that contains only yard waste. Fallen branches and twigs can be tied into bundles up to 4 feet long by 2 feet in diameter and tied with fiber twine. Do not use wire, nylon cording, or plastic banding.

The Phinney Neighborhood Association seeks a dynamic Development & Communications Associate whose experience and philosophy closely align with the PNA’s mission and values. This is a part-time, flexible position (30 hours/week) with a pay range of $19-$20/hour DOE with benefits. This is an ideal role for an aspiring nonprofit development professional.

The Development Associate will provide administrative support to the Development team and Executive Director, including quality and timely stewardship to PNA donors and members, which includes gift acknowledgement and processing, data management, and reporting. This position also assists in planning and executing fundraising events and supports marketing and communications. You can see the full job announcement here.

Second, there is an opening for a part-time Whittier Kids After School Teacher. The Whittier Kids Teacher is a part time position at 23.75 hours/week, M-F. Additional hours may be assigned for early release days, and school breaks, and special events. Teachers are responsible for general classroom support and supervision of the children in the WK School-Age Program. You can see the full job announcement here.

For a detailed job description including essential responsibilities, qualifications, and application instructions, see our posting at www.phinneycenter.org/jobs.   

Imagine a 400 square foot room containing a monstrous 102-year old radiator, 4-foot tall fan, broken windows, and ugly green paint. You might think: nightmare. But for a small group of woodworking enthusiasts, they thought: Community Woodshop!

There is a place for everyone at the Community Woodshop, from experts to people who have no experience. The stated intent to create a space that builds and supports a broad community of fabrication and woodworking members who are enthusiastic about learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, skill, and community service.

This Saturday from 9am – 2pm the community is invited to come check out this newly created woodshop while enjoying a cup of coffee & doughnut. There will be wood projects on display and an opportunity to sign up for future classes.

Location: The small outbuilding on the northeast side of the lower parking lot in the Phinney Center, near the Brick Building.
Time: Saturday November 2, 9am – noon

Celebrate Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday honoring the dead with food, drink, and festivities. This free celebration will begin with a community procession and dedication of a traditional altar for offerings to the deceased. Bring your offerings (pictures, mementos, small items) to the Phinney Center before or during the event to be included on the altar. You can pick them back up at the Phinney Center by November 11 or take them back with you.

Come and enjoy live music and dance, decorate sugar skulls, do arts & crafts, get your face painted, eat delicious food, and drink Mexican hot chocolate. This event is free and open to all!  Some crafts and activities do have a suggested donation of $2. There will be food for purchase from Luna Azul and Patty Pan Grill.

The procession starts in the Phinney Center Upper Parking Lot at 3 pm.

Featuring
*CeAtl Tonalli Aztec Dancers
*Altar dedication by Raúl Sánchez
*Kids’ music by Marco Cortes
*Dance by children’s troupe Grupo Folklorico Citlali

Schedule
3:00 pm – Festival begins: meet in Community Plaza for the procession – CeAtl Tonalli Aztec Dancers perform and lead procession
4:00 pm – Community altar in the Blue Building is dedicated by Raúl Sánchez
4:30 pm –  Performance by students from PNA’s Phinney Cooperative Prescholar en Español (PCPE).
5:00 pm –Marco Cortes performance
6:00 pm – Grupo Folklorico Citlali performance
6:45 pm – PCPE raffle drawing
7:00 pm – event ends

Activities
*Face painting
*Coloring
*Paper flower making
*Picture frame decorating
*Sugar skull decorating
*Chocolate skull decorating

Seattle Restaurant Week takes place every fall and spring, with the 2019 fall promotion up and running between October 27 and November 7. During Seattle Restaurant Week more than 165 restaurants across the greater Seattle area offer a special three-course dinner menu for $35, and many also offer two-course lunches for $20. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity.

In Phinney-Greenwood, we have two participating restaurants this year, Ada’s Restaurant and Bar and The Olive and Grape (Restaurant Week menus are hyperlinked). If you’ve been meaning to try these great local eateries, now is a great chance! Please note that Ada’s is not offering this menu on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday brunch.

Ballard High School’s Music Program is hosting their annual fall concert series for choirs, orchestra and bands.

The series kicks off Tuesday, October 29, with a theme of Toward the Horizon: Choral Music from Dawn to Dusk. Under the direction of Choir Director Courtney Rowley, the concert will feature all six groups performing songs from diverse genres that trace the arc of both a day and a life, exploring such themes as morning, belonging, love and loss, resilience, and evening.

The Orchestra concert on Monday, November 4, features a brand new orchestra and the evening will feature themes from Bizet’s Carmen and the John Williams’ composed “Air and Simple Gifts”, which was commissioned for and performed at Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony.    

The band concert on Wednesday, November 6, celebrates composers by women and people of color, featuring “A Moment for Rosa” which celebrates the life of civil rights legend Rosa Parks.

All performances begin at 7:30 PM in the Ballard High School Earl Kelly Center for Performing Arts. Admission is free. You can purchase reserved seating at https://showtix4u.com. Search for the name of the performance.

For full details about this event see http://www.ballardperformingarts.org

BOO-gie on down to the Lagunitas Seattle TapRoom & Beer Sanctuary for a special appearance by Caspar Babypants, presented by PNA’s Ballard Preschool Co-op and Northwest Christian Church.

Lagunitas is donating ALL beer proceeds to the school, so gather up your boys and ghouls and come grab a beer and a bite.

There will be lots of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase, plus activities for the kids. Oskar’s Pizza will be out front serving slices (gluten free options available). Spilt Milk Nannies is facilitating the kids play areas so adults will have time to enjoy a beer (or many) and catch up with friends and family.

Lagunitas Brewing Company Taproom, 1550 NW 49th St.
Schedule:
5:30 pm — Doors Open
6:30 pm — Caspar Babypants
7:30 pm — Raffle Ends
7:45 pm — Raffle Winner Announced (must be present to win)

Adult: $15.00 Child: $5.00
Child 3 or under: Free Get tickets

The City of Seattle and Metro need your help to improve the speed and reliability of the Route 44 bus service that runs from Ballard Locks to the University of Washington Station.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and King County Metro are gathering community feedback, reviewing technical data, and studying Seattle’s transportation plans in order to enhance the corridor along which Route 44 travels. SDOT is leading the design and will deliver improvements by 2023. We are in the early stages and are seeking input from riders of Route 44 as well as community members who do not ride the bus. 

The goal is to improve the service and the safety of people accessing transit. The feedback collected will be incorporated into early design concepts that will then be presented to the public for further feedback.

This anonymous survey should take you less than 10 minutes to complete and will provide valuable information to the project team.

Click this link to give your feedback today. Here is a link to the website with helpful information. The survey closes on October 29.

Mainstay Provisions, an all-day café and specialty market, is now open at 612 NW 65^th St. in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. The building previously housed the Sneakery from 2006 until it closed earlier this year.

Mainstay’s café menu features pastry, soups, sandwiches, salads and rotisserie chicken, all prepared in-house “using techniques usually reserved for fine dining restaurants.” The market offers a unique selection of specialty grains, oils and vinegars, fresh produce and pasta, as well as local and international beer and wine.

Mainstay is the creation of Seattleites Thom Koschwanez and Ashley Thompson. The young parents have created a café to address the busy lifestyles of working locals and longstanding Ballard residents. Their goal is to provide high-quality food and market items at affordable prices while employing fine-dining caliber chefs and cooks at high wages in excellent working conditions.

Koschwanez, an Ethan Stowell chef alumnus, has been in the industry for more than 25 years. His goal has been to provide an atmosphere for chefs and cooks to succeed without having to sacrifice work-life balance.

The café is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends.

“Going home and having dinner with my wife and daughter is an absolute dream,” said Koschwanez. “I hope people can see that the hours we are open and the people we employee are a luxury for both Ashley and myself, but also for the neighborhood.”

Koschwanez is referring to BJ Bresnik, Mainstay’s chef de cuisine. Bresnik, formerly of The Walrus and the Carpenter, brings not only award-winning menu offerings but has also commitment to the café’s work/life balance.

“My family is my world. (My son) Oliver is 10 and goes to West Woodland, just a short walk away from Mainstay. It was really important to me to have these next few years with Oliver while he still wants to be around his momma before the teenage years begin and I become too embarrassing.”

Mainstay has teamed with Ladro roasting, a favorite in the Seattle coffee scene. Locally roasted coffee pairs perfectly with house-made pastries, breakfast sandwiches and an extended morning menu.

Dress-Up Day – Sun October 27 – 9 & 11am Services
Get into the Halloween spirit and dress up as your favorite super hero, fairy, wizard, etc, or come as you are. All ages are welcome and encouraged to join in the fanciful fun. Sunday service appropriate and family friendly costumes please.

Pre-Halloween Family Fun Night – Wednesday, October 30, 5 – 7pm
A free event for all ages – crafts, entertainment, snacks and more. Come out to Center for Spiritual Living for a creative and fun time before Halloween Night.

This Sunday is the annual 2019 Sunday Supper and silent auction to benefit FamilyWorks, our local family resource center that nourishes and empowers our neighbors in need.

Like previous years attendees will be treated to a delicious Tom Douglas dinner: Tom’s famous Alaskan Wild Salmon and a delicious Eggplant Imam. The dessert will be provided by Molly Moon’s & Hello Robin.

Location – The Mountaineers
5:00 p.m. – Doors Open
5:30 p.m. – Cocktails & Silent Auction
6:30 p.m. – Family Style Dinner & Program

Trick or Treat for a cause! Children are invited to trick or treat at participating businesses and encouraged to donate $2 or a non-perishable food item for the FamilyWorks Greenwood Food Bank to help families in need in our community.

Hunger Goblin’ posters will be marking businesses with treats (or tricks!)

There will be donation stations along Phinney/Greenwood at Illumination Learning Studio, Greenwood Library, Snapdoodle Toys & Games, Verity Credit Union, Umpqua Bank, Ken’s Market and HomeStreet Bank.

New this year: Photo Booth Lane at Piper Village: Morrow Lane@Piper Village (next to Verity Credit Union between 85th and 87th on Greenwood) will be partnering with the Greenwood Art Collective this year. Each participating business will have a custom painted Halloween-themed backdrop out in front of their entrance for trick or treaters to pose for pictures in front of. The Piper Village Participating businesses are Verity Credit Union, Seatown Veterinary, Ladywell’s Spa, Mud Bay, School of Rock, Title Boxing, and Snapdoodle Toys.

The Greenwood Art Collective will be having an out door gallery in the breezeway next to the fountain and in between Banner Dental and Ladywell’s Spa from 12-5pm on Saturday October 26 the same afternoon as Hunger Goblin

Enjoy this local “Bel Canto” concert series, offering live classical music in a casual, friendly setting for the community. This is performed by sopranos Mikiko Hashimoto and Fumi Tagata, accompanied by Aya Tsukada Saxman and Mime Miyata, with a guest pianist Lambros Lambrou.

Saturday October 26, 6 – 8pm
Rock of Ages Lutheran Brethren Church, 316 N 70th S
To RSVP: http://evite.me/EvgxCdGPr3.
Free Admission (donations will be gratefully accepted)
Childcare available upon request -contact fumitagata@gmail.com.

If an earthquake shakes us tomorrow, are you ready? Join the GCC tomorrow night for Disaster Preparedness training provided by the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The presentation will provide an overview of the hazards that can impact Seattle, and steps that individuals and families can take to become more prepared to deal with them. This includes guidance on how to develop a disaster plan, build a disaster supply kit, and organize with neighbors to become better prepared. The presentation also provides an overview of other OEM efforts including the SNAP program (Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare), Community Emergency Hubs, and the City’s new alert and notification system, Alert Seattle.

Tuesday October 22, 7pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St

We’ve all been wondering, “What will the old Starbucks be?” We finally have our answer. Coming in the Spring of 2020… RidgeWood Bottle & Tap, a new tap house and bottle shop. 

The owners of the new establishment are a group led by former PhinneyWood resident Stuart Faris and his wife Michelle. They will be joined by a team of partners with extensive industry experience in Seattle.

Faris grew up in the neighborhood, went to preschool at the PNA, West Woodland Elementary, Whitman Middle School, Ballard High School, and college at UW. He’s as local as they come. Eventually he moved down to Portland for work, but many of his family and friends still live in the neighborhood and he finds himself back often.

Stuart currently co-owns Uptown Beer Co., a tap house and bottle shop with two locations in the Portland area. He and his friends often discussed the idea of opening something similar in Seattle during his visits, but the time never seemed quite right.

According to Faris, “A friend at Red Mill (Burgers) mentioned that the Starbucks was leaving and that they were looking for something that would be complementary to their business. The opportunity seemed too good to be true. It’s the neighborhood I grew up in. It’s my childhood best friend, my high school best friend, my college best friends, and my forever best friend, my wife. We’re beyond excited.”

The group recognize the sense of community and family that the location holds and have every intent of making RidgeWood an integral part of that. They want it to be a social space within PhinneyWood, a stop along your dog walk or family bike ride, where you can pop in to see a familiar face and meet neighbors. They also want to become a premier craft beer and beverage destination for beer geeks and beginners alike.

RidgeWood will have indoor/outdoor seating, expanded bicycle parking, a few TVs (though not intended to be loud), and will be family friendly (including dogs) most hours. Expect around 42 taps and 300 plus bottles/cans in the fridges. Draft beers will be comprised of local, imported, rare, and new and exciting offerings, including dedicated nitro and sour beer taps, as well as non-alcoholic options such as kombucha and draft root beer. There will also be wine, cider, seltzer, slush drinks and other non-spirit based beverages. You will be able to order from neighboring Red Mill Burgers within the establishment to enjoy a beverage with your meal as well as bring in outside food.

From an event standpoint, things are still coming together, but the ideas include Trivia Night, Movie Night, tap takeovers, special beer releases and collaborations, Meet the Brewer nights, as well as local live music. Weekly occurrences will follow a regular schedule with larger seasonal events to be held periodically.

“At the end of the day, we’re starting with this idea. We’re going to listen to what people like and we’re going to become their place,” says Faris. “We want everyone to feel like they have some ownership in what goes on here and what we’re involved with.”

RidgeWood Bottle & Tap is aiming to open this Spring… and they do plan on having nitro cold brew coffee on tap for those of you that miss the Starbucks.

More info to come soon at www.RidgeWoodBottleandTap.com with social media on Facebook and Instagram to soon follow.

*Edited 10/22/19 to correct “Westwood Elementary” to “West Woodland Elementary”

Tickets are now on sale for the 32nd Annual PNA Beer Taste. Don’t worry, we won’t trap you in the Upside Down, but we will gather you in a historic, haunted schoolhouse with 37 local breweries for a cozy night of beer drinking.

If you’ve never been to a PNA Winter Beer Taste — a favorite among tasters and brewers alike — you don’t want to miss it. We are looking forward  to Stranger Thing Cask Beer from Black Raven Brewing – this beer is still in the cask waiting for the details.  Info will be available soon.

Tickets include:
*Ten (generous!) tastes  of local craft beer and cider (some specially brewed for this event)
*Pub snacks and tasty homemade treats
*An awesome silent auction of unique and not-so-unique beer paraphernalia

And it’s not just about beer…this event supports PNA’s nonprofit programs for seniors, kids, people in need, and the entire community!

Saturday November 16, 7 – 10pm
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N.

The fabulous FamilyWorks Family Resource Center brings us a free, 3 hour experiential parenting workshop early next week. Learn to discipline with firmness and kindness, have fun, and set the foundation for important social and life skills.

The workshop will be led by Sproutable‘s Julietta Skoog, a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer.

Monday October 21st, 10 am – 1 pm
Greenwood Branch of The Seattle Public Library
Call 206.694.6727 to register today!

The Sustain Music Project is a classical music ensemble that performs chamber music concerts that collaborate with other disciplines to create immersive experiences. They are committed to using music to point towards social justice and inclusion.

This Sunday, SMP is teaming up with New Beginnings – a local organization assisting domestic violence survivors – to co-produce a concert at the Taproot Theater. The purpose is to tell the stories of domestic violence and how our community can help eradicate it through music. “This program of six musical compositions takes listeners on the journey experienced after trauma: shock, grief, and isolation that can be transformed into joy, peace, and hope for the future,” writes Artistic Director Christina Medawar.

Sunday October 20, 3pm
Taproot Theatre, 204 N 85th St, Seattle
You can purchase tickets here.

Discover what it means to be white and the ramifications of remaining silent in the face of injustice. This session focuses on the Breaking White Silence project’s history and core understandings of racism. Includes interactive conversation as well as info and Q&A.

Breaking White Silence, a project of the PNA, is designed to educate white people on the structures and patterns of racism—and raise our consciousness about our own socialized patterns—by forming free, facilitated study groups to read and discuss Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s  What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy (Revised Edition).

Dr. DiAngelo is a race and social justice educator and author of the 2018 New York Times best-selling book White Fragility. Her work has been featured at the Seattle Public Library and in Salon, NPR, Slate, and The New Yorker. More info about the project 

Sunday October 20, 2 – 3:30pm
Seattle Public Library Broadview Branch, 12755 Greenwood Ave
All welcome – no need to RSVP.

Questions?  Contact Cecily at cecily@phinneycenter.org | 206.297.0875

Are you a senior homeowner who is looking for ways to decrease your housing expenses? Come hear from representatives of several programs that can help you meet your physical and financial needs to stay in your home and community as you age.

Topics include Senior Property Tax Exemption, Affordable Home Repair, Virtual Villages, and Home Sharing. Light refreshments provided.

Programs Represented:
• Washington State Senior Property Tax Exemption: Learn about the new income eligibility rules beginning in 2020 and how to apply. If you didn’t qualify for a reduction or exemption on your property taxes in the past, you may now.

• City of Seattle Major Home Repair Program: You may be eligible for a loan for a major health and safety repair on your house, such as a roof or furnace. There is also a program to weatherize your home. Find out if you qualify.

• PNA Village & Home Sharing: PNA Village helps elders stay remain in their homes as they age. In addition to providing a wide array of services, PNA Village partners with Silver Nest: a home sharing website that connects homeowners with extra space in their homes with renters who want lower-cost housing options. Home sharing offers safety, companionship and sharing of household tasks.

Saturday October 19, 10am – noon
Phinney Center Brick Building, Community Hall
6532 Phinney Ave N

Watch the PNA Tool Library’s famous cider press in action and enjoy live music. Bring apples and a container to take cider home with you. You are encouraged to not buy apples – ask a neighbor who has a full tree if you can pick them!

Free/$5 suggested donation. All donations support the PNA Tool Library.

Last week, two thieves stole a truck in Queen Anne and piggybacked behind a resident’s vehicle into a secure parking garage in Ballard. They parked and taped a door latch open to get in later. An alert resident removed the tape and informed management.

Fast forward a day. Two people attempted to distract the manager while attempting to drill through the door lock. This attempt failed. The truck was returned to its owner. The thieves have not yet been apprehended.

Crime rates, policing levels and other matters that directly relate to public safety in Seattle are on the table. Both D6 City Council candidates, the Captain of the North Precinct, and Mary Amberg from the Seattle Police Department will talk about physical security measures and protecting each other by waiting for garage doors to close and not letting strangers into the building. They will clarify who to call if an emergency situation arises.

Thursday October 17, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Leif Erikson Hall, 2245 Northwest 57th Street
Please register here

The Ballard High School Playmakers kick off the Ballard High School 2019-2020 Performing Arts season with the provoking play Radium Girls, based on a true story.

A hundred years ago, radium was thought to be a miracle cure used to fight cancer. It was quickly commercialized and used in products for consumers, including luminous watches that glowed in the dark. Radium Girls tells the story of the New Jersey factory girls who hand-painted the dials until they mysteriously became ill and started dying. Worker Gracie Jordan decides to sue the United States Radium Corporation, exposing radium’s impact on health and just how far a company will go to manipulate science. 

“Radium Girls tells a story of corporate and government scandal while also exploring science,” says Theatre Director Shawn M. Riley. “These are important conversations to be having even today,”

Performance Details
*Radium Girls will be performed at the Earl Kelly Center for Performing Arts at Ballard High School, 1418 NW 65th Street
*Show Dates: October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26    
*7:30 p.m. curtain time with one 15-minute intermission.
*Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors
*Advance tickets are now available at https://showtix4u.com

Per their press release: “Drop by Backfire this Friday as we Present: Billy Brandt . Billy is well known in Seattle for his gritty Lounge act… we are super excited for him to appear here at the pub. Billy Brandt is a singer, guitarist, and composer whose music has working-class appeal that radiates masculine charm and chutzpah. He has a voice like dark roasted coffee with a hint of cream.”

Raised in Hanover, MA, Brandt now lives in the Pacific Northwest. A mainstay on the Seattle music scene, he performs regularly in clubs all around the city. Brandt is a storyteller, both as a singer and composer, somewhat in the tradition of Tom Waits, though with a more refined and nuanced voice.

He released his third CD, “CITY NOIR” in April 2019. It follows his 2011 release “The Ballad of Larry’s Neighbor” and “Get it Going,” released in 2016.

Friday October 18th, 8 – 10pm
Admission: Free
Backfire – 7701 Aurora Ave. N 98103

Nestled at the Southwest corner of Woodland Park and still within earshot of various vocal zoo animals, KapKa Cooperative School is set to celebrate 30 years in our community.

KapKa, which comes from the Klamath word meaning “young pine”, is the creation of Ladell Black. University Co-Op had been established in 1975 by Black when the Seattle Public Schools had a levy failure and families learned there would be no public kindergarten offered that year. In 1989 thirteen families and Black came together and opened the doors to KapKa when the community was in need of more elementary school choices.

KapKa provides progressive, integrative education for children from kindergarten to fifth grade. The school is child-centered with a focus on cultivating academic, social and emotional growth. The experiential-based curriculum is developed through annual themes that provide an engaging, hands-on environment to master academic fundamentals. 

Last year, our daughter started Kindergarten at our local elementary. We are fortunate to live near a wonderful public school. She loved her teacher, learned a lot and made great friends. This was an overall positive experience, but we missed some of the aspects of a cooperative school.  

To learn more about KapKa, go to www.kapkaschool.org and join us for our Open House this winter on Sunday, December 7th. 

In March of 1942, 227 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes on Bainbridge Island by the US Army. Eventually more than 120,000 Japanese American men, women, and children nationwide were forcibly removed and incarcerated during World War II.

Clarence Moriwaki shares the story of Bainbridge Island—the origin point of the Japanese American exclusion—to ask the question: Are there parallels to what’s happening in America now? Moriwaki uses historical images to explore the fear, racism, and failure of political leadership that led to these unconstitutional actions and why we must not let it happen again. Moriwaki is the president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community and a founder and former president of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association. Moriwaki has served as a spokesperson for administrations including the Clinton Administration, the Office of the Governor, and Congressman Jay Inslee.

Sponsored by Humanities Washington
Wednesday October 16, 1-2pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Register: (206) 297-0875

KinderReminder.org, the locally-based community kindness project organized with the help of the Phinney Neighborhood Association and the brains behind the Gumshoe 5K, has unveiled the first phase of their 2020 activities.

If you are a Seattle middle or high school student, create a short, three-minutes-or-less video showing the power of kindness. Videos entered in the POK Video Contest could win one of three 1-year subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud, a comprehensive suite of photography, video editing, graphic design and web development apps and services.

To enter, post your video to YouTube and email the link, along with your name, age, school and contact phone number, to POK@KinderReminder.org before May 1, 2020. Subscriptions will be awarded based on the kindness they inspire in the friends, neighbors and business owners behind KInderReminder.org. Winners will be announced June 7, 2020.

Flyers describing this contest have been distributed to all middle and high schools in the Seattle School District, but since the contest is sponsored by local folks, they wanted to make especially sure that local students know about it!

Per King 5 News, Green Lake beaches closed this week after high levels of toxic algae were detected in water samples. A sample taken Monday found 7 micrograms per liter of microcystin, according to the Washington State Toxic Algae program. King County typically closes beaches for levels over 6 micrograms per liter.

Seattle Parks recommended people and pets avoid contact with the water or drink water from the lake until levels return to normal. The lake will be resampled next week, according to Seattle Parks.

Blue-green algae is closely related to bacteria and can produce toxins that can potentially be deadly to people and pets. Warm weather, sunshine, and nutrients in the water can cause the algae to quickly reproduce, developing a bloom within days.

The Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op kids’ gear sale is upon us! This annual event will offer good deals on gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books, strollers, bedding, safety equipment, sports gear, car seats, winter gear, maternity wear, and much more.

Grab your totes, a friend or two, and line up early to snag the best items. Enter the doors after 12 pm and get a voucher to enjoy 50 percent discounts on numerous items. Admission and parking is always free. Find ‘PNPC Kids Sale’ on Facebook to get the latest updates on the sale.

Also, don’t miss the Usborne Books & More Fair, benefiting PNPC, going on upstairs during the kids’ sale.

Saturday October 12, 9am – 1pm
Phinney Center Brick Building, Community Hall

Artist: Valerie Kusuda. Watercolors with Asian influence. Venue: 3 Wishes

Art Up PhinneyWood artwalk is a monthly artwalk that promotes over 40 participating venues in the Greenwood-Phinney neighborhood of N. Seattle. Organized by the PhinneyWood Arts Council, the artwalk occurs every 2nd Friday of each month with a “Big One” (2-day event) that occurs each year in May. Come out and cruise the neighborhood from 6-9 pm and check out the latest art and special offerings each month.

See this month’s line-up & get map

Friday October 11, 6 – 9pm
Greenwood-Phinney Business District

St. John’s United Lutheran Church is holding their first ever Harvest Festival with fun activities for all ages. Learn how to make clothes from vintage fabric, carve a pumpkin, take home seeds to plant, complete a scavenger hunt, meet the festival mascot, and more. Community potluck starts at noon.

St. John United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Ave N.
Saturday October 12, 10am – 3pm

Meet the City Council candidates for district 6, Dan Strauss and Heidi Wills, this Saturday. Not just a moderated forum, but a more intimate and accessible Q&A with a lot of questions from the audience.

Top topics that have been identified in the PRCC Community Survey are:

• Land Use/Zoning
• Transportation
• Affordable Housing
• Criminal Justice/Policing/Safety Homelessness
• Sustainability
• Open Governance/Responsiveness to Constituents
• Neighborhood Businesses

Saturday October 12, 1 – 2:30pm
Woodland Park United Methodist Church, 302 N 78th St

On October 7, a devastating fire destroyed several small businesses on Market Street in Ballard. Local small businesses are the backbone of the Ballard neighborhood and the loss is felt by the Ballard community. Our community remembers well the Greenwood Gas Explosion from 2016 and the ripple effect it had on our business district.

The Ballard Alliance has established this Go Fund Me Campaign to benefit the businesses affected by the October 7 fire. In addition, the Ballard Alliance pledges $5,000 in support to help reach the larger goal of raising $25,000. As of this morning, the fund is over halfway to its goal, and PhinneyWood urges you to contribute what you can. Thank you!

A large afternoon fire in the Ballard retail district in the 2300 block of Northwest Market Street destroyed several businesses Monday, as firefighters fought for more than three hours to get the blaze under control. The fire was first reported at 12:02 p.m., when an employee of Supercuts smelled smoke.

The roof collapsed at 1:36pm, fortunately after Seattle Fire had pulled all personnel in anticipation. Fire officials reported the blaze was under control by 3:30. At the height of the blaze, 150 firefighters, or about 65% of Seattle Fire’s on-duty personnel, were responding.

La Isla and Pho Big Bowl restaurants, Supercuts, Kitchen N Things and Octo Designs & Jewelers are the businesses located in the buildings that burned. As a grim reminder of the Greenwood gas explosion of 2017, all five businesses are expected to be a total loss.

One firefighter was taken to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Following packed houses for Sherla Clomes, Taproot’s Improv team is back with their new show, Sportsball! Using audience suggestions, they’ll improvise the glory days of an underdog sports team in a 1-hour long-form improv show that heads into the wide world of sports.

WHEN: October 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2019 at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Taproot Theatre Company’s Isaac Studio Theatre, 212 N 85^th St
LENGTH: 1 hour
AGE REC: Recommended for ages 12+ and for all the 12s and 12 wannabes.
TICKETS: $10 TTC Subscribers/25 & Under; $15 General Admission

PhinneyWood is full of wonderful people and great places that we all wish we knew more about. Resident Kevin Kozel periodically digs deeper to let us know more in a column we like to call … Hi Neighbor!

These days it seems we’re all looking for ways to relax, heal, or unplug. It’s getting harder and harder to find ways to escape without the possibility of being interrupted. Why not take a float? While floating has been growing in popularity over the past few years, it’s actually a concept that has been around for quite some time. Having experienced it myself, I can attest to the soothing escape it can create, but there are multiple benefits that the activity can offer.

Andrew Loppnow, one of the co-owners of Float Seattle, recently opened a new location in PhinneyWood. I recently caught up with Andrew to ask him some questions about floating, what it can do for you, and what to expect from his latest location.

Kevin Kozel (KK): You just opened a new location on 85th Avenue, but you’re also the owner of all Float Seattle locations now, is that right?

Andrew Loppnow (AL): Yes, my business partner Dean and I are operating owners. We work shifts at all three of our studios on top of all of our duties behind the scenes. I’ve worked for Float Seattle for almost five years and Dean was a member for a while. The two of us had an opportunity to take over the business from the founder last year, so we found a way to make it happen. We’ve had a busy year learning the ropes and making lots of improvements along the way. It’s a lot of hard work running these float centers, but we love what we do!

KK: And how many locations are there now?

AL: The first one started in Greenlake in 2012. There is a second in Bellevue which opened in 2015. This Greenwood location is the third one. We recently took over a previous float business that was in this spot. It’s our biggest float center with six tanks. The others have four.

KK: It’s certainly the biggest site I’ve seen.

AL: Its size opens up a lot of possibilities for us. While floating is our main focus, we also host community events once a month. For example, we just offered a gong meditation here a few weeks ago and are beginning to offer team-building workshops and other things. We aim to be a wellness hub for the Seattle community, promoting and educating people on anything related to meditation, pain management, stress relief, etc.  We’re really excited about what where we’re at, but also what Float Seattle can become. Floating by itself is amazing, but we look forward to offering more and more value through these other offerings.

KK: So tell us more about the experience of floating.

AL: Sure. There are many shapes and size of float tanks, but the experience is generally always the same. There is about 10 inches of water with 1,000 pounds of Epson salt, which is what allows you to float effortlessly in the water on your back. It’s heated to body temperature. The pods have a light and the ability to play music, however we recommend turning off the light and floating in silence. There are really two components; the salt allows negating of gravity and has a natural anti-inflammatory effect which relieves pressure on your joints and muscles, and there is the reduction of sensory inputs created by the skin-temperature water and the lack of light and sound which creates the relaxing environment.

Our bodies spend so much energy processing the world with every waking minute. It’s incredible what can happen when you take most of that away! The experience essentially hits the reset button on your nervous system. It’s very effective in reducing stress, aches and pains, and just providing a space for relaxed introspection and meditation. It’s definitely strange at first, but many people find it to be one of the most relaxing experiences they’ve ever had. 

KK: How do you prepare your clients for their first float?

AL: We give you a very thorough walkthrough on your first visit and make sure we go over the common questions and fears that people might have. That’s something I think we do a really good job of. It’s really important to set people up so they aren’t thinking about all of the things that could keep them from relaxing. We aren’t going to just throw you in a tank and forget about you.

Each guest has a private room with a tank and a shower, and you’ll shower before and after the float session. We provide everything that you’ll need. The session itself is an hour, but you should allow 90 minutes for the whole experience for showering and taking a moment to drink some tea on the couch after your float.

KK: Having floated myself, do you explain that it can take a few floats before your body start to accept it?

AL: Yes, it really takes two or three times for someone to really get comfortable with floating, get over the novelty aspects, and start to understand how it might help them in their life. It’s important to be forward with the educational component and make it less of a sales pitch. If you really want to decide if it’s for you or not, then you really owe it yourself to experience it three times to see what it can do for you. One float is certainly relaxing and interesting, but the benefits really do compound with multiple sessions.

KK: What plans do you have available for people looking to give floating a try?

AL: We have lots of options, but the introductory rate is $39 (regularly $69). We also offer a three-pack for $135. For our standard memberships it’s $54 per month. That gets you one float and then all additional floats are $35. You max out at $229 per month, so once you reach that all additional floats are free. We also offer floating Happy Hour Monday through Thursday until 3 pm at the $39 introductory rate for all floats. The membership can also be used at any of our three locations and is super flexible in regard to cancellations and pausing.

To get signed up for your first float, or for more information on the activity of floating, you can stop by Float Seattle at 111 NW 85th Street or visit their website at www.floatseattle.com.

Any person, place, or thing you want to know more about in our neighborhood? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and we’ll look into making it a future feature on Hi Neighbor!

The PNA Village is an essential and unique neighborhood program that makes it easier for people to stay in their own homes as they grow older, and is officially expanding beyond Greenwood and Phinney to Wallingford and Fremont. The Village connects members with volunteers for transportation, minor home repairs, social connections, gardening, and much more.

To learn more about the Village and this expansion, you are invited to a breakfast and Q&A at the Wallingford Senior Center. Current Village members and volunteers will provide breakfast and will host a fun and interactive group Q&A at the end.

Thursday October 10, 9:30 – 11:30am
Please RSVP to Village@phinneycenter.org or 206-789-1217.

Babyface Skincare and Beauty started in Phinney Ridge 10 years ago in a little suite hidden high above Greenwood Ave, but has recently joined forces with Ceres Salon and moved down from their aerie into a storefront location. You may have noticed some activity over the past several months at the corner of 71^st and Greenwood as the salon underwent a total remodel.

There are now two treatment rooms for facials, massage, lash extensions and many other beauty and wellness treatments. Their goal is to provide advanced and innovative treatments with skilled technicians in a cozy neighborhood setting, and strive to promote community building and getting to know their neighbors.

In that spirit and to celebrate this big change, owner Eva Robbins is throwing a party for the community next Friday. You are invited to stop by on your way through the PhinneyWood Art Walk on October 11^th  from 6-9pm.  There will appetizers and drinks as well as 15% off a number of skincare products.

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) has announced that Green Tech Excavation will handle the addition to Greenwood Park, located between 87th and 89th on Fremont Ave N. The work began on September 30th and will be completed in early 2020.

SPR purchased the 0.1-acre site at 8805 Fremont Ave. N in 2013 to provide more open space for the growing neighborhood and to expand the existing Greenwood Park. Funding for this park project is provided by the Seattle Park District, approved by voters in 2014.

The new parcel, surrounded by Greenwood Park, reflects input from the community and has a “game” theme with a ping pong table, corn hole, 4-square, hopscotch, and tether ball. The sport court will be striped for pickleball and will remain open during construction. The project also features a wood arbor connection to the pea patch, a hillside slide into the play area, a picnic area with BBQ, and skate elements. The project incorporates accessibility features in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For more information or to view the park plan please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/greenwood-park-addition. For questions about the project please contact Katie Bang at katie.bang@seattle.gov or 206-684-9268.

In August, local service provider Mary’s Place, became a part of the Greenwood neighborhood when they moved their warehouse from downtown Seattle into the former Safeway building on Greenwood Avenue. The building is owned by Washington Holdings and will be developed in 1-2 years.

Mary’s Place has been providing shelter and services for women and families experiencing homelessness in King County for more than 20 years – bringing moms, dads, and children inside to safety and hope, assisting with housing, employment, and wellness needs, and helping them move back into stable housing. Mary’s Place currently operates nine emergency family shelters from Burien to Kenmore that provide 600 beds each night, and a drop-in women’s day center in downtown Seattle that serves two meals a day and provides hygiene and other resources for more than 150 women each day.

The organization has grown tremendously over the last several years. In 2018 they provided nearly 180,000 overnight stays, served almost 360,000 meals, welcomed in 1,308 children, and helped 650 families find stable housing.

Our new neighbor would love to welcome you as a part of their community, and there are several opportunities to get involved. If you are interested in volunteering at any of the shelters, you can learn more and sign up at www.marysplaceseattle.org. Volunteer needs include kitchen help, donation sorting, cleaning and maintenance, translation services, youth activities like homework help, movie night, hosting birthday parties, and more. As Mary’s Place Executive Director Marty Hartman says, “whatever you like to do with your friends and family, our kids and families would like to do!”

According to StopBullying.gov, a website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in a national study “49% of children in grades 4-12 reported being bullied by other students at school at least once” and “30.8% reported bullying others.” Taproot Theatre is determined to improve these statistics by touring innovative productions that confront issues like diversity, forming friendships and bullying prevention and to provide resources which encourage conversation amongst students and adults alike.

There are two shows this Saturday at the Ballard Elks:

3pm – Team Player Mode. A play for elementary (K-5) age children about bullying prevention and accepting differences.
5pm – The Social Networth. A play for middle and high school students (6-12) about cyber bullying, body image, and personal responsibility in social settings.

Ballard Elks Lodge, 6411 Seaview Ave NW
Saturday, October 5th – 3pm and 5pm
FREE, with donations accepted for Taproot’s financial assistance program

Story and photo by Roxanne Kenison

After a series of unexpected obstacles last Saturday on their way to the Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival, the Ballard High School Marching band literally stepped off the bus and into the parade to claim recognition as the best of 19 bands in the parade – and to also win first place in their division.

That they managed to perform at all—and so well—is a testament to the group’s discipline, teamwork, and pluck. Scheduled to leave Seattle by 8:30 a.m. for the Noon parade in Leavenworth, the 150-plus member band got a late start when a mixup resulted in their buses being delayed by an hour. An early fall snowstorm in the mountain pass slowed traffic, and the parade was already underway by the time the band arrived in Leavenworth.

To streamline proceedings, band members had put on their uniforms in-transit, and even availed themselves of the buses’ lavatories, anticipating no chance for a restroom break after their nearly 3-hour journey.

Director of Bands Michael James and parent chaperones directed the buses to parking as close as possible to the parade assembly area, and band members collected their instruments and fell immediately into formation. They literally marched away from the buses and into the parade with no stopping or pausing, to applause and cheers of onlookers.

“If we don’t win anything, that’s fine,” declared Mr. James after the band completed the parade route. “If we do win something, that’s fine too. I’m just glad we got here.” On being awarded first place, Mr. James proudly held up the trophy, and band members whooped, hollered, and squealed with excitement.

The Autumn Leaf Festival parade is the first performance of the year for the marching band, following after-school rehearsals and a weekend intensive Band Camp at the beginning of the school year.

The Seattle Police Department would like to invite Phinney Ridge, Greenwood, and Green Lake community members to a residential burglary prevention class. Attendees will learn about current burglary trends in their area, how to secure their homes to reduce the likelihood of a burglary, and what to do if they have been a victim of a burglary.

The class will be instructed by the North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, the local Community Police Officer, and a Burglary Detective.

Please RSVP to mary.amberg@seattle.gov, or just come on by.

Residential Burglary Prevention Class
Thursday October 3, 7 – 9pm
Phinney Center Room 2, 6532 Phinney Ave N.

The CDC estimates that 11 percent of Americans have ADHD. Because our understanding of ADHD has changed so much over the past decades, many adults have never been diagnosed, or even suspect that there’s a reason their brains sometimes seem to work differently than others’.

Join Laurie Dupar, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse, author and ADHD life coach, for this overview presentation on ADHD in adults. Learn how to recognize it in yourself or others, what to do if you suspect it might be ADHD, and how to create new ways to get things done.

Thursday October 10, 1 – 2pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Please RSVP: 206.297.0875.

Brew at the Zoo is back. Head to the Woodland Park Zoo this Thursday to sample imports, domestics, microbrews and ciders from nearly 60 different breweries. Ticket sales, fundraising games or raffles, and extra tasting tickets all raise money to benefit Woodland Park Zoo programs and conservation efforts.

Thursday October 3, 6 – 9pm – Premium entry at 5pm
Purchase tickets here

As if last week’s head-to-head between Heidi Wills and Dan Strauss at the Greenwood Senior Center wasn’t enough, you are invited to attend another debate this Wednesday down in Ballard. The prize: representing you and the rest of District 6 as your councilmember after the November 5th General Election.

The candidate forum is presented in partnership by the Ballard Alliance and the Ballard District Council. The forum will be moderated by Enrique Cerna and is open to the public.

Wednesday October 2 – doors open at 6:30pm
National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market Street

Setsuko Tenaka, owner and chef of Modern Japanese Cuisine here in Phinney, is teaching 4 pastry classes this fall. The classes are small and hands-on, kid-friendly, and best of all you can take your creations home to share with family and friends.

The class fee of $65 includes a Setsuko Pastry original recipe, all ingredients, and Japanese organic tea service.

Sunday, Sep 29 10:00-noon: An-pan (Japanese red beans sweet bread)
Monday, Sep 30 10:00-noon: Japanese rare cheesecake 
Monday, Oct 7 10:00-noon: Vegan green tea & white chocolate cookie 
Sunday, Oct 13 10:00-noon: Japanese berry cream cheese soft bread 

Email setsuko.pastry@gmail.com to sign up or if you have any questions.

Lauri Hennessey from the Woodland Park Zoo will be speaking at the October edition of the Phinney Ridge Community Council’s meeting. There will also be a discussion of the Green Lake Paving Multi-Modal Improvements and how those will impact our community. You can see the complete agenda for the evening here.

Also a reminder to take the 2019 Community Issue Survey to let the PRCC know what is important for you with regards to our next D6 City Councilmember.

If the recent earthquakes have shaken you into action, this is the class for you. Learn the hazards that can impact Seattle, and how to be prepared to deal with them. Free, but space is limited and registration required here.

Includes how to develop a disaster plan, build a disaster supply kit, and organize with your neighbors to be prepared. Also provides an overview of other Seattle Office of  Emergency Management efforts including the SNAP program, Community Emergency Hubs, and the City’s new alert and notification system.

Taught by the Seattle Office of  Emergency Management 

Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6
Wednesday October 2, 7 – 8pm

This is your opportunity to snag some fantastic deals or to unload all that gear piling up in your closets and make a little money for yourself and Ballard Preschool Co-op.

The sale offers amazing deals on quality, gently used clothes (newborn to size 8), shoes, toys and gear—including pack and plays, cribs, car seats, strollers, maternity wear and more.

The entry line typically starts forming before 9 am. Bring your own bags to haul all your great finds, and please park your stroller at the door.

Saturday September 28, 9am – 1pm
Phinney Center Brick Building – Community Hall

We’ve sadly reached the end of our bountiful Farmers Market season here on Phinney Ridge, with the final market today from 3:30 – 7:30pm. Come for exceptionally fresh and high-quality produce, to say goodbye to your local farmers and vendors, and a final dinner and musical entertainment-laden Friday at the PNA. You can get more market details and the music schedule here.

A bonus: the opening of the brand new chess tables in the Heart of Phinney Park, just below the air raid siren tower above the market. Come by at 5pm to see the Fremont Players entertain and celebrate this new facet of the park. There will be prizes and guaranteed laughter, so bring along the chess lover in your household to participate.

The Seattle Police Department would like to invite Phinney Ridge, Greenwood, and Green Lake community members to a residential burglary prevention class. Attendees will learn about current burglary trends in their area, how to secure their homes to reduce the likelihood of a burglary, and what to do if they have been a victim of a burglary.

The class will be instructed by the North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, the local Community Police Officer, and a Burglary Detective.

Please RSVP to mary.amberg@seattle.gov

Residential Burglary Prevention Class
Thursday October 3, 7 – 9pm
Phinney Center Room 2, 6532 Phinney Ave N.

PhinneyWood parents and kids have loved Top Ten Toys, known for their incredible selection of high quality, educational, toys, crafts and games, since 1987. When the Top Ten Toys founder, Allen Rickert, was ready to retire after 30 years, he chose to sell to Snapdoodle Toys, knowing they were a successful business with a similar philosophy. Top Tens Toys is now Snapdoodle’s third location (the other two are in Kenmore and Renton).

“It’s great knowing I am handing over the 30-year-legacy of Top Ten Toys to a pair of proven toy retailers, Rob Pickering and his wife, Cherry,” announced Rickert leading up to the transfer of ownership. Rob Pickering is a native Washingtonian who attended Kirkland’s Juanita High School and the University of Washington and, before going into the toy business, worked as both a schoolteacher and a stay-at-home dad. Cherry Pickering works in health care.

In honor of the Top 10 legacy and a celebration of the new name, local resident and writer Erika Stanley has compiled the top ten reasons you will love Snapdoodle as much as Top Ten Toys.

10. Although Snapdoodle has owned Top Ten Toys since May of 2018, they delayed the name change because they care about locals. Eventually though, they realized for the sake of running the business, it was less complicated to be consistent with the name- “Hello this is Top Ten Toys, but also Snapdoodle, how can I help you?” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

9. Most of the changes affect the employees, not the customers. For instance, Snapdoodle purchased new computers, has a new way of tracking inventory, and no longer has storage in their basement.

8. While Snapdoodle is now in charge of choosing inventory, they do pay attention to the wants and need of each individual location. For example, our location has a fantastic book selection because PhinneyWood families love to read.

7. The new rewards system. Those who join earn a 10% off coupon for every $200 spent. This coupon, as well as all purchase information, is saved in the computer system; you don’t need to worry about losing it and you no longer need a receipt to make a return.  

6. The fall catalogue. Sign up and it will be delivered to your door, allowing your kids to highlight everything they want for Christmas.

5. The game section. Eurogames, card games, and collaborative games are more popular than ever. Snapdoodle has grown their selection and have knowledgeable (game playing) employees to help you find just what you need.

4. Party space! They now have a room for parties and events. For around $200, Snapdoodle will host your child’s birthday party and provide a craft activity (call for details).

3. Fun weekly drop in events. Tuesdays: Pokémon League for 5-7 pm, Wednesdays: Story Time from 11am-noon, Thursdays: Crafternoon from 4-5 pm, and Fridays: Game Night from 5-7 pm.   

2. The employees! They love working in a toy store and are passionate about what they sell.

1. The number one reason to love Snapdoodle? You guessed it, the wrapping station! Not only is the wrapping station staying, it has improved! With more paper and ribbon options than ever, your gifts will still have that beautiful “fresh from Top Ten Toys” look, with smeared wet paint blobs and misspelled words, To mY BFf, HApy BirFday!

It is time for the 10th Annual Pig Out to Root Out Hunger event! This is a neighborhood fundraising event for the PNA’s Hot Meal Program, which serves more than 19,500 free meals a year to those in need.  All you have to do is eat and drink out at any (or all) of the 27 participating restaurants, pubs, and cafes in the neighborhood that will then donate a portion of your bill to the program.

Here is a great 1-minute teaser for the event, courtesy of David Inman Productions.

Participating Businesses:

74th Street Ale House | 7401 Greenwood Ave N
A La Mode Pies | 5821 Phinney Ave N
Caffe Vita | 7402 Greenwood Ave N
Celine Patisserie | 6801 Greenwood Ave N
Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe | 8404 Greenwood Ave N
El Chupacabra | 6711 Greenwood Ave N
FlintCreek Cattle Co. | 8421 Greenwood Ave N
Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery | 8570 Greenwood Ave N
Fresh Flours | 6015 Phinney Ave N
Gainsbourg | 8550 Greenwood Ave N
Hecho | 7314 Greenwood Ave N
Herkimer Coffee | 7320 Greenwood Ave N
Luso Wine & Food | 8218 Greenwood Ave N
The Olive & Grape | 8516 Greenwood Avenue N
Opus Co. | 7410 Greenwood Ave N
The Park Public House | 6114 Phinney Ave N
Prost! | 7311 Greenwood Ave N
Razzis Pizzeria | 8523 Greenwood Ave N
Red Mill Burgers | 312 N 67th St
Ridge Pizza | 7212 Greenwood Ave N
Teachers Lounge | 8505 Greenwood Ave N
Thaiku | 6705 Greenwood Ave N
Valhalla Sandwiches | 8202 Greenwood Ave N
Windy City Pie | 5918 Phinney Ave N
Wing Dome | 7818 Greenwood Ave N
Yanni’s Greek Restaraunt | 7419 Greenwood Ave N
The Yard | 8313 Greenwood Ave N

Be prepared! Join Leif Jackson of Sound Seismic for the popular Earthquake Home Retrofit class. Learn about the City of Seattle’s Project Impact and how to evaluate your home for needed structural improvements. Learn to use the correct tools, materials, and methods to accomplish an earthquake retrofit. Class size is limited, so be sure to register online in advance.

A hands-on follow up is available at the PNA’s Tool Lending Library, who is co-sponsoring this event.

Cost: $20/PNA Member, $25/Public
Location: Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

The 8th Annual Power of Community Breakfast is next Thursday, October 3rd, but the RSVP deadline is this Wednesday. This annual fundraiser for the Greenwood Senior Center includes an inspiring keynote by Lee Harper, PNA’s outgoing Executive Director.

At the breakfast, you can learn about the GSC’s innovative programming that nurtures the mental, social, and physical well-being of our community’s older adults. Connect with friends and colleagues and enjoy great conversation, tasty breakfast fare, an abundance of coffee.

This annual fundraising event is free to attend; a request for donations will be made at the event. A gift of $75 or greater is suggested.  All donations will support our critical senior programs.

You can RSVP here, or if unable to attend and wish to support the program, you can donate here.

Thursday October 3, 2019
Check-in and buffet start at 7:15 am; program starts at 7:30 am.
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St.

This Saturday is the first ever Seattle Children’s Book Festival. The event is free, open to the public, and features award-winning children’s book authors and illustrators from all over the United States including:

• Tui T. Sutherland (author of Wings of Fire)
• Tracey West (author of DragonMasters)
• Dana Simpson (author/illustrator of Phoebe and her Unicorn)
• Suzanne Selfors (author of Wedgie and Gizmo)
• LeUyen Pham (illustrator of Princess in Black)
• Leslie Patricelli (author of Baby Board Books)
• Marissa Meyer (author of the Lunar Chronicles)
• Corinna Luyken (author/illustrator of The Book of Mistakes)
• Kazu Kibuishi (author/illustrator of Amulet)
• Varian Johnson (author of The Parker Inheritance)
• Dan Gemeinhart (author of The Honest Truth)
• Troy Cummings (author/illustrator of Notebook of Doom)
• Ben Clanton (author/illustrator of Narwhal and Jelly)
• Asia Citro (author of Zoey and Sassafras)

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet favorite authors and illustrators, purchase signed copies of their books, participate in hands-on literacy activities and crafts, and hear several of our authors/illustrators present throughout the day. Please note that this event will be held both outdoors and indoors and is a rain-or-shine event. Book sales courtesy of local bookstores Phinney Books and Madison Books.

Visit their website for more details: SeattleChildrensBookFestival.com

Saturday September 28, 11am – 3pm
144 NW 80th St, Seattle, WA 98117

Pig Out is a neighborhood fundraising event for the PNA’s Hot Meal Program, which serves more than 19,500 free meals a year to those in need.  All you have to do is eat and drink out at participating restaurants, pubs, and cafes in the neighborhood that will then donate a portion of your bill to the program.

Here is a great 1-minute teaser for the event, courtesy of David Inman Productions.

With the additions of FlintCreek and Hecho, you now have 27 great businesses to patronize for a good cause on Wednesday.

Participating Businesses:

74th Street Ale House | 7401 Greenwood Ave N
A La Mode Pies | 5821 Phinney Ave N
Caffe Vita | 7402 Greenwood Ave N
Celine Patisserie | 6801 Greenwood Ave N
Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe | 8404 Greenwood Ave N
El Chupacabra | 6711 Greenwood Ave N
FlintCreek Cattle Co. | 8421 Greenwood Ave N
Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery | 8570 Greenwood Ave N
Fresh Flours | 6015 Phinney Ave N
Gainsbourg | 8550 Greenwood Ave N
Hecho | 7314 Greenwood Ave N
Herkimer Coffee | 7320 Greenwood Ave N
Luso Wine & Food | 8218 Greenwood Ave N
The Olive & Grape | 8516 Greenwood Avenue N
Opus Co. | 7410 Greenwood Ave N
The Park Public House | 6114 Phinney Ave N
Prost! | 7311 Greenwood Ave N
Razzis Pizzeria | 8523 Greenwood Ave N
Red Mill Burgers | 312 N 67th St
Ridge Pizza | 7212 Greenwood Ave N
Teachers Lounge | 8505 Greenwood Ave N
Thaiku | 6705 Greenwood Ave N
Valhalla Sandwiches | 8202 Greenwood Ave N
Windy City Pie | 5918 Phinney Ave N
Wing Dome | 7818 Greenwood Ave N
Yanni’s Greek Restaraunt | 7419 Greenwood Ave N
The Yard | 8313 Greenwood Ave N

Make room for more art and enjoyment in your day, and come for the opening of “The Sacred in Nature” at Broadview’s Ida Culver House. This exhibition “honors the world we live in through the eyes of artists’ images of beauty and reverence for the natural world.” Please RSVP at (206) 361-1989 by September 24.

Thursday September 26, 5 – 6:30pm
Ida Culver House Broadview
12505 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
Complimentary valet parking

What is important to you, when it comes to your next City Council District 6 Councilmember?

Phinney Ridge Community Council is collecting feedback on the topics most important to the residents and business owners in Phinney Ridge.  They will use these topics to select/generate questions for the Phinney Ridge Community City Council D6 Candidate Forum on October 12th.

Responses to this survey are anonymous.  PRCC would like to collect as much input as possible so please consider sharing with adult family members and neighbors in Phinney Ridge.

Their goal is to post the results of the survey on the PRCC website & Facebook page.

You can take the survey by clicking here.

Get your fresh and local produce while you can, as the next-to-last Farmer’s Market of the season is today from 3:30 – 7:30pm in the Phinney Center’s upper parking lot.

Everything is ripening!  Plums, nectarines, peaches, apricots, apples, pears, lettuces, herbs, tomatoes and loads of veggies.  Each market also features gorgeous flower bouquets, farmstead cheeses, fresh eggs, artisan breads, ready-to-eat foods and sweet treats.  

See the market vendors and the Ripe and Ready Report here, and get more market details and the music schedule here.

Five words were meant to change a young country divided by civil war when abolitionist and Union recruiter Frederick Douglass challenged his president to act on the statement that “all men are created equal.” As these two brilliant Americans wage a battle for the future of the Union, their arguments affect not only their sons but the nation we live in today. Originally commissioned for Washington, DC’s Ford’s Theatre, Taproot Theatre produces the West Coast Premiere of Richard Hellesen’s drama.

“Audiences will be stunned to learn of the heartaches, considerations and challenges surrounding some of the decisions Lincoln made,” said director Karen Lund. “But Frederick Douglass is the real gift. His vision, sacrifices and ideas resulted in an honest and heartfelt debate that left both men different.”

Previews: September 18 and 19, 7:30 PM
Opening Night: September 20, 8:00 PM
Tickets are available online at taproottheatre.org or by phone 206.781.9707

College Application and Admissions Seminar. Do you know a teen preparing for college?  Dr. Mark Hofer helps students find, get admitted to, and graduate from great colleges and universities that will best serve their academic, social, financial, and personal needs.  He guides students and their families through the application and admissions process to identify the best colleges while maintaining a focus on graduating with as little debt as possible.

This seminar is most helpful for parents of freshmen and sophomore high school students to get them started but is also helpful for families with juniors.  Join Dr. Hofer at this FREE introductory talk for college-bound high school students and their parents/guardians. No RSVP necessary.

Thursday September 19, 7 – 8:30pm
Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

Earthquake Home Retrofitting. Be prepared! Join Leif Jackson of Sound Seismic for the popular Earthquake Home Retrofit class. Learn about the City of Seattle’s Project Impact and how to evaluate your home for needed structural improvements. Learn to use the correct tools, materials, and methods to accomplish an earthquake retrofit. Class size is limited, so be sure to register in advance. A hands-on follow up is available at co-sponsor PNA Tool Lending Library.

Tuesday September 24, 6-8pm
$20/PNA Member, $25/Public – Register here
Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

Designing Backyard Cottages. Thinking of creating a backyard cottage? Wondering about the A/DADU land-use code changes that passed recently and would you like to find out more?

Check out this class on the why, what, where and how of building a DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) taught by Sheri Newbold of live-work-play.

We will be able to look at a few of your examples as time permits… Bring your address, property dimensions and if possible, your sewer card. City of Seattle sewer cards are available here.

Thursday September 26, 7-9pm
$15/PNA Member, $25/Public – Register here
Phinney Center Blue Building, Room 6

A local couple’s generosity is permanently commemorated in the Greenwood Branch of The Seattle Public Library with the dedication of the Susan and Glen Beebe Study Room on September 8.

Susan and Glen Beebe have donated to the Library for more than 10 years and claim the Greenwood Branch as their home library. Susan has volunteered there as a Homework Help tutor, assisting K-12 students with their schoolwork.

Now, they’ve created an endowment with The Seattle Public Library Foundation that will support Library programs and services for years to come.

“It’s so inspiring for me to see a couple like Susan and Glen so engaged with the Library in different ways,” Chief Librarian Marcellus Turner said at the event. “I want to thank them for all their dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for The Seattle Public Library.”

The Greenwood Branch is the fourth-most popular branch among The Seattle Public Library’s 27 locations, attracting more than 289,000 visitors each year and circulating more than 624,000 books and materials.

The Seattle Public Library Foundation provides funding for the Library’s books and programs through the generosity of private donors. It has maintained the long-term vitality of The Seattle Public Library since 1980.

Dine out to support your neighbors in need! Pig Out is a neighborhood fundraising event for the PNA’s Hot Meal Program, which serves more than 19,500 free meals a year to those in need.  The program serves a balanced, nutritious meal three times a week–two dinners and a lunch–to low-income, unhoused, disabled, and elderly community members.

All you have to do is eat and drink out! Restaurants, pubs, and cafes in Phinney/Greenwood will donate a portion of your bill to the program.

Bring your friends, family and a healthy appetite to businesses marked with “Pig Out Participant” signs on Wednesday, September 25.

Breakfast, lunch, coffee break, happy hour, dinner and dessert! There’s a place for ’em all… you can “pig out” all day! 

Participating Businesses:

74th Street Ale House | 7401 Greenwood Ave N
A La Mode Pies | 5821 Phinney Ave N
Caffe Vita | 7402 Greenwood Ave N
Celine Patisserie | 6801 Greenwood Ave N
Chaco Canyon Organic Cafe | 8404 Greenwood Ave N
El Chupacabra | 6711 Greenwood Ave N
Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery | 8570 Greenwood Ave N
Fresh Flours | 6015 Phinney Ave N
Gainsbourg | 8550 Greenwood Ave N
Herkimer Coffee | 7320 Greenwood Ave N
Luso Wine & Food | 8218 Greenwood Ave N
The Olive & Grape | 8516 Greenwood Avenue N
Opus Co. | 7410 Greenwood Ave N
The Park Public House | 6114 Phinney Ave N
Prost! | 7311 Greenwood Ave N
Razzis Pizzeria | 8523 Greenwood Ave N
Red Mill Burgers | 312 N 67th St
Ridge Pizza | 7212 Greenwood Ave N
Teachers Lounge | 8505 Greenwood Ave N
Thaiku | 6705 Greenwood Ave N
Valhalla Sandwiches | 8202 Greenwood Ave N
Windy City Pie | 5918 Phinney Ave N
Wing Dome | 7818 Greenwood Ave N
Yanni’s Greek Restaraunt | 7419 Greenwood Ave N
The Yard | 8313 Greenwood Ave N

Come to this free and fun event to learn about rainwater catchment and stormwater management, meet neighbors who love their cisterns, and talk with contractors in person. See how 12 cisterns and one rain garden manage over 66,000 gallons of water each year while learning the basics for rain garden and cistern care at a hands-on maintenance workshop. Open to the public. Refreshments available. 

Saturday September 14, 10am – noon
Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave N

Held at the Green Lake Community Center from 10am – 4pm, the 4th annual Green Lake Family Fun and Wellness Fair is created in partnership with the Green Lake Chamber, Public Health, and Seattle Parks and Recreation. There will be ample entertainment for kids, informational tables for health and wellness, and much more.

Blood Works will be hosting a Blood Drive at the event from 10am to 4pm (closed noon to 1 p.m.). More info here.

Come meet some neighbors, learn what’s going on at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, and how you can get involved. Whether or not you’re a PNA member, this is a great way to learn about what we do and how you can support and enjoy the many programs, events, and activities the PNA has to offer. Please bring a dish or drink to share – if you can’t, that’s OK, we’ll provide some food and drink and there is always plenty!

Potluck starts at 5 pm. Orientation starts at 6 pm. Please feel free to drop in for just the potluck, or just the orientation, if you can’t stay for both.

Your RSVP is helpful, but not required RSVP Online here. You can also RSVP by emailing alexg@phinneycenter.org or calling 206.783.2244.

Friday is also the early Fall blood drive, from 1-7pm at the PNA. Your donation can save up to three lives! Schedule in advance online at schedule.bloodworksnw.org or just drop in. (Note: closed 3-4 pm)

The September PhinneyWood Art Walk is this Friday! You can view the map here and participating venues and artists here. Make plans to support businesses and see neighbors at this monthly event.

Additionally, the Phinney Center Gallery will debut more than 40 works reflecting the perspectives and experiences of a wide variety of artists on the healing power of art. Pieces were selected by a local community jury and the show will include a special (non-juried) section featuring collages by the Greenwood Senior Center’s Early Stage Memory Loss group and work by participants from Path with Art.

Path with Art transforms the lives of people recovering from homelessness, addiction, and other trauma by harnessing the power of creative engagement as a bridge to community and a path to stability.

Enjoy music and refreshments and meet the artists. A must-stop during your PhinneyWood Art Walk travels!

Art Up PhinneyWood Art Walk – September 13 from 6 – 9pm
Phinney Center Gallary Opening – September 13 from 7 – 9pm
Gallary art will be on display through October 18.

The majority of Americans take at least one medication and 20 percent take five or more medications. Keeping track of your medications, especially when experiencing a temporary hospitalization, can be challenging, and more than a million people are harmed each year from medication errors.

This session explores some of the common causes of medication errors and challenges that most people face. We will also identify practical tips, including how to take back medicines that are expired or no longer needed. Be ready for an interactive, hands-on session, with must-know tips anyone can use. Presented by Robin Shapiro of Washington State Health Advocacy Association.

Thursday September 12, 1 – 2:30pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
Register at 206.297.0875.

The PNA Bookkeeper is responsible for timely and accurate recording and reporting of financial activities for the organization. Responsibilities include Payroll, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, general accounting and reconciliations, and preparing monthly financials statements. The Bookkeeper is the owner and expert on the PNA accounting system (Sage 50) and the payroll system (Paylocity), interacts with staff in all departments, and provides assistance and training regarding accounting policies and procedures. The Bookkeeper also coordinates the annual audit process with preparation of schedules and other materials. This position reports to the Executive Director.  

For a detailed job description, including Essential Responsibilities and Minimum Qualifications, see our posting at http://www.phinneycenter.org/jobs.    

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the transfer of a local parcel of surplus City Light land to nonprofit developers at no cost, becoming the first city to take advantage of a state program to make underutilized public land available for affordable housing development.

The somewhat hidden 6000-square-foot lot is just North of Fresh Flours and Gibran on the West side of Phinney Ave and 61st. The developer, Homestead Community Land Trust, expects it will cost $6.4 million to build 19 condominiums on the land, which has an appraised value of roughly $1.5 million.

All of the homes will be sold to homeowners who are at or below 80% of the area median income, or $70,600 for a two-person household. The homes will cost roughly $250,000 — well below the $750,000 median home price in Phinney Ridge.

A new community boathouse that will make Green Lake more accessible to people of any background or ability level will open in 2021. Community volunteers in partnership with Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council, Associated Recreation Council, and Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club have raised a total of $5.4 million from public and private sources towards the $6.5 million goal.

“Our city is surrounded by water, but not everyone can safely or affordably enjoy it, including Green Lake, the most widely used park in our state” said Mike Stanley, president of Green Lake Rowing Advisory Council. “The new community boathouse will be a permanent public gateway to access Green Lake for generations to come.”

The current Green Lake Small Craft Center (GLSCC) houses the 70-year-old Green Lake Crew.  Started by storied UW rowing coach Al Ulbrickson in 1948, it is believed to be oldest public junior rowing program in the nation.  In 1963, long before Title IX, the crew added a girl’s program, another first for the region.  In its seven decades, the crew has introduced thousands of Seattle youth to rowing, opening doors to a diverse community, and even launching some to success on the national and international stage.

The 10,600 square-foot facility will increase capacity for programs through a combination of expanded and more efficient boat storage and additional instructional space. It will be fully accessible, which makes possible the launch of Seattle’s first public adaptive rowing program and expansion of a parapaddling program.  Specialized programs of Seattle Parks and Recreation will also be able to expand their work with individuals of differing physical and cognitive abilities.

User safety will be improved through restrooms, locker facilities, and areas for off-water instruction and community meeting space.  In addition, the new boathouse will better engage with Green Lake Park and the heavily used adjacent walking trail. 

A bit earlier this year, our own “welcoming, geeky, laid-back” coworking spot Works Progress (115 N 85th Street) was recognized by the Office of Economic Development as their Small Business of the Month.

Per the OED’s website: “Coworking spaces are an increasingly popular option for small businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs, and north Seattle businesses don’t have to look far to join a great coworking community. Works Progress is a coworking space located in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, owned and operated by Marnee Chua since 2012.” You can read the entire article and view the Origin Story video here.

A belated congratulations to Marnee and Works Progress!

Hazel Salon, which recently celebrated their 10th anniversary, is putting on a fundraiser to support vulnerable refugee and immigrant communities. Book now to get a haircut, blowout, shampoo scalp massage, sugaring, or chair massage. 100% of the proceeds go to Raices and Humane Borders.

Hazel will also have Voodoo Sidecar coming from 10 to 2 selling cocktails, as well as a bake sale and some products that will all go to charity. No need for an appointment – just stop by and help a great Greenwood business help those in need!

Hazel Salon & Organics
8301 Greenwood Ave N
Sunday September 8, 10am – 5pm

Experience Woodland Park Zoo after-hours while enjoying cuisine and cocktails inspired by wildlife around the globe, prepared by some of Seattle’s hottest celebrity chefs and mixologists. As if that isn’t enticing enough, each ticket sold raises funds to help save wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

Chefs participating include Ethan Stowell, Edouardo Jordan, Melissa Martz, Quinton Stewart, Derek Simcik, Tori Mann, and Jack Timmons.

Also – ding ding ding! – here is an exclusive promo code for 15% off of General Admission tickets to WildBites. WPZFRIENDS (case sensitive).

Woodland Park Zoo
Friday September 6, 5 – 8pm

Trade your gently used books for something new! Meet other readers, get recommendations, and enjoy tasty treats. Five genres at one swap: Mysteries, Science fiction, Fantasy novels, Kids’ books, and Cookbooks. Don’t have books to exchange or want to buy more than you brought in? Purchase paperbacks for $1 and hardbacks for $2.

This will also be the kick-off for a Tampon/Pad Drive for students at Seattle Public Schools. Bring a box of tampons or pads to the Book Exchange and enter to win a raffle for $100 gift card to Phinney Books.

The PNA is partnering with Seattle T2P2— “Towers of Tampons & Pyramids of Pads”—a nonprofit that brings supplies to those in need. Help fill a big bin for those students who need access to these vital supplies. Can’t make the book exchange? You can donate the entire month of September. Collection bins will be located in the Phinney Center front lobby.

Saturday September 7, 11am – 2pm
Phinney Center Blue Building – 6532 Phinney Ave N.

Urban spaces and the suburbs that sprawl around them are growing worldwide, pushing some carnivore species into more remote regions, while forcing others to adapt to higher human densities. Increasing contact between humans and carnivores potentially leads to more human-carnivore interactions and increased concerns over risk to humans, whether real or perceived.

Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle University are launching a new project to explore how mammalian carnivores, such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, and even cougars and bears live and interact with people across urban and suburban areas in the Seattle region.

Woodland Park Zoo is working with staff, volunteers and community partners to deploy camera traps in city and county parks across the Seattle regions. They have launched the Carnivore Spotter website where you can record your carnivore sightings. Visit carnivorespotter.org now to report your local carnivore sightings and explore sightings throughout Seattle!

In an era of planned obsolescence and rampant waste, our neighborhood has a special collective dedicated to saving items seemingly destined for the landfill. The idea is just to take a moment before throwing something away to figure out if you can save it and prevent yourself from having to buy a replacement. It’s also an excellent way to learn how things work and just enjoy some good company. Remember: You can’t break what’s already broken!

The PNA Fixers Collective is an informal group of folks who meet up every 1st Wednesday at Greenwood Hardware from 6-8pm, simply for the fun of taking stuff apart, putting it back together again, and maybe even fixing some things in the process. Kids welcome! Learn more about the Fixers.

Wednesday September 4, 6-8pm
Greenwood Hardware, 7201 Greenwood Ave N

Flying Bike, your neighborhood cooperative brewery, is looking for candidates for their Board of Directors. Specifically, they are looking for candidates who love beer, are passionate about supporting our local community, and have either worked with a co-op before or are interested in learning what they’re all about. The Flying Bike board touches everything from operations to marketing, so candidates of all backgrounds and experiences are welcome to apply. 

Anyone who is interested should email nominating@flyingbike.coop to get started. They are accepting applications from now through Monday, September 9.

The Phinney Ridge Community Council will be meeting next Tues Sept 3, 7 pm at Phinney Neighborhood Center.  There will be discussion about  a community survey launching to ask residents about issues they would like our City Council candidates to know about.  This information will be used to formulate questions for forum being held on Saturday Oct 12 on Phinney and ultimately to share with the elected representative.  Please come to share important issues to help you make an informed choice on your ballot.

Also being discussed is policies being proposed by the current City council representatives:  Tree Protection, replacing the Single Family Zone with multifamily options,  and how to find out about property assessments.

Phinney Ridge Community Council is an all volunteer group of residents in the neighborhood that meet monthly.  We conduct discussions on policies surveys and that affect all of us.  And we track new development projects encouraging people to participate in public design review.  

Team Dragonfly, a group of neighbors who get together every few years to repaint the giant dragonfly painted on the intersection at NE 60th St. and 4th Ave. NE (between Latona and the freeway), is at it again. They will be repainting the famous dragonfly this Saturday, August 31 and should be thick into the painting process by about noon.

The community is invited to come by and witness the event, and also learn more about how you can create something like this at your local intersection with a little work. The first time Team Dragonfly painted was in 2013 with matching funds from Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods, and the project fulfilled its primary mission: bringing neighbors together and creating a sense of community.

You can see more about the dragonfly, the process, and an excellent time lapse video of it being painted the first time here.

Open to the community. Per the organizer: “Hi everyone! I am hosting a potluck picnic for a Vietnamese cooking club and wanted to invite you folks. You don’t have to be Vietnamese or bring Vietnamese food to come.” Vietnamese food is preferred, of course.

The event will start at 11am and be located at the Green Lake Small Craft Center near the large concrete aquatheater. There will be signage and a popup tent to help interested parties in locating the picnic.

Get into the neighborhood vibe at the 2019 Greenwood Music Crawl. Five local bars – The Baranof, Hounds tooth, North Star Diner, Angry Beaver and Coindexter’s – will turn themselves into live music venue spaces for the day, hosting 45 local bands performing for twelve straight hours.

Come Support with these local musicians playing at this annual event. All styles of rock, blues, psychedelic, punk, pop, dance, electronic. You can see the full lineup here.

Sunday September 1, 1pm – 1am
Advance tickets $25 /Day of event $28
Ticket booth & will call located in front of Verity – 8533 Greenwood Ave N
www.greenwoodmusiccrawl.com

Seattle Cucina is a local cooking school with an inspiring mission: “For all youth to nourish themselves and their community through mindful cooking, healthy eating habits, and an appreciation for food.” They will be at the Phinney Farmer’s Market on Friday from 4-7pm providing cooking demonstrations and answering questions about their programming.

If you have a pre-teen who has shown interest in cooking, this is a great opportunity for them to meet some of the people behind the school and get more information about upcoming classes in the Seattle area.

Join local author Nathan Vass for the first in our upcoming series of book talks. His well-received book, The Lines that Make Us: Stories from Nathan’s Bus is a collection of stories and photos about his experiences as a bus driver (you may have met him on the #5).

It is also a 2019 Washington State Book Award Finalist! Copies will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the event. Read a story from PNA’s newspaper, The Review, about Nathan helping the Greenwood Senior Center.

Thursday August 29, 12:30 – 2pm
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
RSVP: 206.297.0875

From the brainpower and innovation that brought the Gumshoe 5k to our great community, a new project goes live today: KinderReminder. The participants are described as “friends, neighbors and business owners who live and work in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge-Greenwood Neighborhood, believe kindness matters and want to promote more kindness in our community.” So – you!

There are some initial events scheduled for 2020, including Pay It Forward Weekend and a video contest for middle and high school students that show the power of kindness.

The organization and purpose are still crystallizing, but if you are interested in promoting and bringing more kindness to your immediate world, join the Facebook group and keep an eye on things as the group evolves. Also, the inspirational and attractive Yard Signs are available for $7.99 at Greenwood Hardware.

You are invited to public debates for two Seattle City Council positions: D6 (which includes Phinney, Greenwood, Green Lake among other neighborhoods) and D5 (most of North Seattle). This event is free and presented by Seattle CityClub and co-hosted by the PNA.

The debate will be moderated by a journalist from KUOW-FM with additional questions by reporters with The Seattle Times and King-5. Both will be on Saturday, September 21 at the Greenwood Senior Center.

The D6 debate is from 2-3:30pm and involve Heidi Wills and Dan Strauss. The D5 undercard will be from noon – 1:30 and pit incumbent Debora Juarez versus Ann Davison Sattler.

Register for the D6 debate here, and the D5 debate here – space is limited!

PhinneyWood is full of wonderful people and great places that we all wish we knew more about. Resident Kevin Kozel periodically digs deeper to let us know more in a column we like to call … Hi Neighbor!

Seattle continues to be one of the top cities for craft brewing in the nation. At last count the city is home to over 25 of them! Not everyone is a brewmaster, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still own a brewery. PhinneyWood’s Flying Bike Cooperative Brewing gives everyone an opportunity to do just that. It is the only democratically run, member-owned and operated cooperative in the state. They also have several brews on tap, ranging from lighter styles like Kolsch, up to heavier stouts. And did you know members get discounts and plenty of other benefits? President Austin Rood (bottom right in the picture above) tells us more about what makes Flying Bike fly.

Kevin Kozel (KK): Let’s start at the beginning. How did Flying Bike come to be?

Austin Rood (AR): The idea was started back in 2010 by a man named Jeff Hicks. He wrote on a blog somewhere that he wanted to get people together to pitch his idea for a “Disneyland of Beer.” Out of that initial pitch came about 30 or 40 people that really liked his idea of a cooperative brewery, and they ended up incorporating their little business in the beginning of 2011.

KK: This was well before coming to PhinneyWood then?

AR: They would meet at what is now the Hounds tooth Public House across the street, so we’ve always had a bit of a connection to this neighborhood without even knowing it. They finally found this place in 2015 after doing a lot of searching in Capital Hill, Ballard, Downtown … We’ve just had our fourth anniversary. This was all well before me though, I became a member in 2016.

KK: For Flying Bike to be successful, you really need to have a strong connection to the community. Have you felt that here?

AR: I think so. Sixty to seventy percent of our membership live within a two-to three-mile radius of the brewery, so definitely from a membership standpoint. Also, one of our tenets is to give back to the community, so most of our pint nights have us partnering with locally-based organizations and other co-ops. We also have a lot of food partnerships because we don’t have a restaurant here. You can order from Sushi Naomi, North Star, and Luna Azul at the bar and have the food delivered. The Olive and Grape, Razzi’s, Laem Buri, Hummus, Kalia, and Chaco Canyon will also deliver here.

KK: And where did the name Flying Bike come from?

AR: The idea at the time was that the concept of a community owned, everyone-pitches-in type of business brewery was just as ridiculous as a flying bike. There’s not a lot of co-op breweries in America, so after four years we’re still trying to figure out what it means and what best practices are.

KK: Four years is a big landmark for most businesses, is that different for a brewery?

AR: The thought used to be that as a brewery you could open your doors and do well. There are a lot more breweries now; especially in Seattle, there is a lot of competition. In the first two years you get enough people trying your brewery because it’s new. Years two through four are where you need to define who you are and if you’re going to stick around. If you give to your clientele, you will receive as a business. I think we’re just starting to hit our stride as a business.

KK: How many members does Flying Bike currently have?

AR: I think we’re at 1,970. We’re pushing for our 2,000th member this year.

KK: And how can you become a member?

AR: There are two options. You can become a lifetime member for $200 or you get a joining membership by putting $50 down and paying the rest in installments. There are all kinds of member benefits. There are member discounts, member tastings and member education. Home brewers can submit recipes to our competitions and we have home brew judging. There are all kinds of special things you can’t get at other breweries. With the joining membership you get the monetary benefits, but the other benefits only really happen when you’ve fully paid up. For anyone interested, you can sign up at the bar or by going to the website.

KK:  You are in an elected position as the current Board President of Flying Bike. Are elections yearly?

AR: We have yearly elections. Three board seats are up for election every year and each elected member serves a three year term. Ballots will be sent out to all of our members to vote. Myself, vice president, and one of our other board members are at the end of our terms, so our spots will be up for vote this fall. We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of the team that makes all of the decisions for the brewery to participate in the election.

KK: Are there less demanding ways to be involved?

AR: Being on the board does take a lot of time. A lot of people can’t do that and we understand. There are a lot of other ways to get involved though. You don’t have to be a brewer, you just have to care about seeing Flying Bike succeed. We have volunteers who pour at festivals, participate in clean ups around the community, and even make all of our graphic designs.

If you want to know more about the brewery, membership, or find out what’s on tap visit  www.flyingbike.coop or swing by for a pint at 8570 Greenwood Avenue.

Any person, place, or thing you want to know more about in our neighborhood? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and we’ll look into making it a future feature on Hi Neighbor!

All neighbors and community members are invited to Calvary Ballard for a fun-filled fair on Sunday 8/25 from noon-4pm. There will be dancing (or listening) to swing music by “Swingy”, face painting by “Tangerine Tales”, the ubiquitous yet necessary bouncy house, “Good news story time” and food for the family.

One of the hidden gems within our community happens every Friday night in the lower brick building of the Phinney Center: the beloved Emerald City Contra Dance.

Contra dance is a social folk dance that is led by a caller and always involves a live folk band. No partner or prior dancing knowledge is needed, just show up for the beginner workshop ready to learn and dance. Contra is an excellent workout, a ton of fun, and a great way to meet new people and interact with a vibrant community.

Beginner’s workshop at 7:00pm. Dance 7:30 to 10:00pm. Follow Emerald City Contra Dance on Facebook. See the schedule of bands and callers here.

Garden enthusiasts can enter online to win the chance to purchase Zoo Doo and Bedspread during Woodland Park Zoo’s Fall Fecal Fest. Both mixes—perfect for growing veggies and annuals—contain fully composted blends of select animal manures mixed with either straw bedding or woodchip and wood shavings. Prized and fought over by Seattle gardeners for decades, Zoo Doo is an excellent addition to any garden and has a wide range of botanical benefits.

Kaitlyn Welzen – known as “Dr Doo” and the “PM of BM” around the Zoo – relayed that about one half to one third of entrants get Zoo Doo every year, with about 300 of the 600 entrants winning this sweet and aromatic prize last earlier this year.

You can enter the lottery here, and the process takes about 30 seconds.

Just in time for this late summer rain – and the realization that rain doesn’t actually clean your car – it’s free car wash day! This Thursday (8/22), Brown Bear is turning 62 and offering free “Beary Clean” car washes at 26 tunnel locations. Last year’s one-day event added sparkle and shine to a record-setting 32,789 cars and trucks across the Puget Sound area.

The Seattle-based, family-owned company has provided over 400,000 free “Beary Clean” washes over the past 13 years to celebrate its August birthday and to honor former and current service members on Veterans Day.

Brown Bear  Founder and CEO Victor Odermat opened the company’s first location in 1957 at 1800 15^th Ave West in Seattle. Brown Bear owns and operates 51 car washes throughout the Puget Sound area and Spokane, with a 52^nd location opening this year in Lynnwood.

For participating tunnel wash locations and more information about Brown Bear Car Wash, visit www.brownbear.com.

Meet the next generation of owners! Mylon Mayer, Derek Giles and Daniel Schacher (pictured, L-R) are the newest members of the Ken’s Market ownership team. With a combined 30 years working at Ken’s between them, the trio joins current owners Steve and Scott Giles (Ken’s sons) as well as Bill Stamey (Ken’s son in-law). They plan on keeping Ken’s a strong and essential part of the community, while also bringing fresh changes to the store such as their newly remodeled produce section.

Derek, Dan, and Mylon also continue the tradition of family ownership: Derek is Ken’s Grandson and Dan and Mylon are two long-time co-workers at the Greenwood location. Ken’s is now officially a third generation family business.

Washington State recently became the first in the nation to allow composting as an alternative to cremation and traditional burial. Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of benefit corporation Recompose, will talk about the benefits of the system she calls “recomposition” – which gently converts human remains into soil, so that we can nourish new life after we die. Come learn more about this dramatically new, environmentally friendly option for death care.

RSVP: 206.297.0875.
Thursday August 22, 10am – 11am
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.

This year, long-time Phinney Ridge staple Red Mill Burgers is celebrating 25 years of serving some of Seattle’s best burgers. Owners Babe, John and Michael Shepherd want to give back to the Phinneywood community, which has supported them for the past 25 years, by giving out their famous bacon deluxe burgers and an order of fries FREE to everyone who stops in tomorrow (August 19) from 12-3 pm. 

In honor of the Shepherds’ mother, Rosemary Shepherd, Red Mill will also be sponsoring the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Power of Community Breakfast on October 3, with a generous donation of $5000 to the PNA’s Greenwood Senior Center Memory Loss Program. 

Burgers and fries will be given away until supplies run out, so come by early!

It’s been a not-too-hot and smoke-free Gumshoe this year and the good weather and air quality promises to hold through the week-end. Deadline for submitting entry forms for the prize drawings is 6pm Sunday and, for those who have waited until the last moment to do the Gumshoe, there’s the Procrastishoe, a group walk that leaves the Phinney Neighborhood Center at 3pm on Sunday.

The Answer Man will be tagging along to prevent any wrong turns and guarantee forms are turned in by the deadline. Please note: the Phinney Neighborhood Center is closed Sunday, so Procrastishoes are encouraged to purchase their forms at Ken’s or the Couth Buzzard. However, the Answer Man will have some forms for sale just in case any Procrastishoes show up empty-handed.

The Flying Bike, Washington’s very first cooperative brewery, is turning 4 years old tomorrow. Per their Facebook: “It’s our 4th Anniversary so let’s celebrate with a Big Fancy Party! Live Music! No Cover!”

Christa Says Yay will be playing starting at 3pm, followed by Sweet Jesus at 4:30. This is a family-friendly, all ages event with giveaways and specials. You can learn more about the event here.

Flying Bike cooperative Brewery
8570 Greenwood Ave N
Saturday August 17, 1pm – 11pm

With a nice crowd of reporters, kids, and zoo luminaries, Woodland Park Zoo’s President Alejandro Grajal opened their new Zoo Doo composting facility today by cutting a vine rope with an oversized pair of scissors. “Zoo Doo is the envy of all gardeners in the region,” remarked Grajal during his speech.

The Zoo Doo yard’s compost system now has automated aeration and temperature control technology, which cuts down compost processing times from about six months to just 60 days. The upgrades also include the addition of 8-foot-tall concrete bunkers, allowing larger piles of compost and creating more Doo in less space.

Composting all of the fecal waste from the vast zoo ecosystem is part of the Zoo’s sustainability initiative, and diverts 650 tons of waste annually from landfills. In addition to saving animal species here and around the world, Grajal says they are also committed to positively impacting their immediate community.

The public can purchase Zoo Doo year round online, at Zoo stores located at the zoo’s South and West Entrances, or at the biannual Fecal Fest which accepts entries from August 19 through September 8. Kaitlyn Welzen – known as “Dr Doo” around the Zoo – relayed that about one half to one third of entrants get Zoo Doo every year, with about 300 of the 600 entrants winning this sweet and aromatic prize last earlier this year.

Chef King began operations in the beginning of the month, across from Fred Meyer and adjacent to the Janus Apartments. This Sichuan restaurant in has a sense of humor throughout the menu, which includes options for the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” the “Whatever” (Chef’s choice), and the “I Don’t Know” (Chef’s secret dish!)

There are also the usual suspects: bubble tea, pork belly, steamed dumplings, beef chow mein, and sweet and sour fish. There is also an interesting sounding dish called “rock candy duck,” made with boiled duck that is then steamed, fried, and slathered with a rock sugar sauce.

101 N 85th St #102, https://www.chefkingseattle.com/ 206-829-9357
Hours: Wed-Mon 11 am-9 pm, Sun closed

This year’s Pianos in the Park is live in Phinney Ridge through Sunday, with a beautiful piano available for all to serenade the community in the Heart of Phinney Park.

There is one last scheduled performance, with Alexander Olsen taking the bench tomorrow at noon. Make yourself a lemonade and come on by!

Are you concerned about how you see people being treated at our borders? Join with others in our neighborhood to learn and act towards positive change. The morning will begin with a presentation on the history of US borders with Dr. Octavio Carrasco and conclude with discussion guided by Pastor Anna Rieke, towards how we can act today to create more justice.

Parking is available. Building is ADA accessible.

Saturday August 17, 10am – noon
St. John United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Ave N.

The North Seattle Neighborhood Greenway and new signalized crossing at Holman Rd NW and NW 92nd St are complete and open for business. Come and celebrate with Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan and a bike parade along the newly completed neighborhood greenway.

The parade starts at Licton Springs Park and is followed by light refreshments, face painting, and brief remarks at Crown Hill Park.

There are two other joining spots along the parade route: Fremont Ave N and N 100th St or Sandel Playground.

Schedule
10am: Riders gather at Licton Springs Park, kids can use the bike decoration station

10:30am: Ride starts

10:55am: Join the ride at the intersection of the Fremont Ave and North Seattle neighborhood greenways (N 100th St and Fremont Ave N)

11:10am: Join the ride at Sandel Park

11:30am: Enjoy refreshments, face painting, and remarks by Deputy Mayor Shefali Ranganathan at Crown Hill Park

The Gumshoe 5K Walk is an excellent way to get out of the house, see our wonderful neighborhood, and put your brain on notice that it cannot slumber all summer! Entry forms are now on sale at Ken’s Market, the Phinney Center, and Couth Buzzard Books.

Buy an entry form, solve the 30 clues that guide you through the 3.1 mile neighborhood walk, return your form where you bought it and you’re entered into a drawing for $1,000 worth of prizes!

More details, including last year’s clues and answers, at DoTheGumshoe.org

Cost : $20 for a single form or $15 each if two or more are purchased at the same time.

Come out for a fun and fabulous night of dancing at the Greenwood Senior Center. No partners or experience required, and certainly no need to be a senior to be a part of the event. There will be a learning session from 6:30-7pm with experienced partners to help you out. LGBT Friendly. Questions: 206.297.0875

Thursday August 15
Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St.
6:30-7pm warm up, 7-9pm dance
$10 at the door

For all community makers and artists, there are just 3 days left to apply to the PNA Winter Festival and Crafts Fair on Dec 7 & 8. Not just a neighborhood event, the festival draws about 5,000 people from all over the city—it’s a favorite among shoppers and vendors alike.

Want to join the 120+ vendors at this year’s fair? Learn more and apply by Aug 15 at http://bit.ly/wfapp19

Whether you have a long-established business or are just beginning to plan a new business, the Seattle Public Library system has free resources for you to use through their Library to Business program. SPL offers dozens of classes and workshops every year in partnership with local organizations.

This is a service SPL has been offering for a couple of years. and have just started offering these appointments in North Seattle at the Green Lake and Ballard branches. Library staff can assist patrons in conducting research to start or grow their small businesses, including finding data about potential customers, competitors, and general information about a given industry.

SPL is now booking 1:1 appointments with librarians trained to help you research business topics

Taproot Theatre Company has announced the extension of Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s award-winning musical, Bright Star. Additional performances have been added on Wednesday (8/21), Thursday (8/22), Friday (8/23) and Saturday (8/24).

Bright Star won the 2016 Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Musical and Best Score, in addition to the Drama Desk award for Outstanding Music. It was nominated for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Lead Actress in a Musical and Best Orchestrations at the 2016 Tony Awards. 

Per the Taproot: “Bright Star is the uplifting and powerful tale of a simple summer romance blossoming into true love. Alice and Jimmy Ray’s parents have forbidden their union, but the young couple is about to be propelled into a daring and unexpected future that spans decades. This Tony, Drama Desk and Grammy award-nominated musical will make your heart soar and your toes tap. Hold on, love is coming home.”

Was racing gourds at last week’s farmer’s market not enough excitement for you? Follow that on Friday, August 9th with a special happy hour event in the Phinney Farmers Market.

All drinks are $5 and the proceeds benefit the Good Farmer Fund and the longevity of the market.

Come to the market and shop your regular list of fruits, veggies, eggs, bread, and treats then sip while supporting a great cause. Plus, each drink ticket doubles as a raffle entries to win $50 in farm bucks to be spent at any of our seven Neighborhood Farmers Markets. The happy hour will run from 4pm-7pm.

The Good Farmer Fund provides emergency relief to farmers to mitigate situations such as: crop losses due to extreme weather, loss of equipment or greenhouses in fire or heavy snow, and protecting livestock from predators. Since 2008, Neighborhood Farmers Markets has granted over $255,000 in emergency relief funds with thanks to events like the Phinney Farmers Market Happy Hour and their annual fundraiser, An Incredible Feast.

The PhinneyWood Art Walk is a monthly event that promotes over 40 participating venues in our neighborhood. Organized by the PhinneyWood Arts Council, the Art Walk occurs every 2nd Friday of each month with a “Big One” (2-day event) that occurs each year in May.

Come out and cruise the neighborhood from 6-9pm and check out the latest art and special offerings each month. Here is this month’s map with artists and participating venues.

The watercolor above is by artist Zenia Wei and will be featured at Coindexter’s.

Ever dream of saving a life? Now you potentially can: a single blood donation can save up to three lives in our community! If you have never donated blood and have questions about the process or eligibility, you can find an excellent FAQ on the subject here.

Late Summer Blood Drive
Friday August 9, 12 – 6pm (break from 2-3pm)
Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N

All seven of the council’s district seats, including our D6 seat currently held by Mike O’Brien, are up for election. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the November 5 general election.

In King County, voters will decide on an $810 million parks levy and a $345 million Evergreen hospital levy. All Seattle voters will weigh in on a $219 million library levy.

Ballot Boxes are open until 8pm today, with the closest to Phinney-Greenwood at Green Lake Community Center. A complete map can be found here.

Not registered to vote yet? No problem, as this is the first local election to employ same-day voter registration.

Okay, we actually know the reason – it is part of One Reel’s annual “Pianos in the Parks” event. Started in 2013, is an annual event that gives the public the chance to see and play beautiful pianos painted by local artists.

One Reel describes this event as “13 pianos placed in neighborhood parks across Seattle and Eastside communities. Now with a hyper-local focus amidst the backdrop of summer in Seattle, the air will be filled with music, art and celebration.”

Our own Phinney Ridge fine artist, Sandy Nelson, has etched designs in this year’s piano. We have two outstanding local musicians slated to perform as well: Ian Ketterer on Wednesday 8/7 at 4pm, and Alexander Olsen on Friday 8/16 at noon. Mark your calendars and come on by the Heart of Phinney Park!

Piper Village, located on Palatine Ave near Verity Credit Union and the former Green Bean space, is hosting a large and festive Night Out event that the whole community is invited to attend.

Looking for a Dog Kissing Booth? Yes, there will be one of those. Boxing Flash Mob? Yep, they have that as well. These activities and many more will be present and free to all.

Tuesday August 6th, 6pm-10pm. Piper Village, 8623 Palatine Ave N

MUSIC ZONE: Live music by the Greenwood School of Rock House Band. DJ sets by: Gene Lee, David Spencer, DJ Soulcrates and Ben Meadow.

KIDS ZONE: Family friendly fun and activities with Top Ten Toys. Family friendly food and games by Verity Credit Union .

CHILL ZONE: Spa Station/ Open House Tours by Ladywell’s Spa, Wine Tasting by Champion Wine Cellers.

GRILL ZONE: Summer Rib Fest Grillin’ by Fred Meyers, street tacos by Luna Azul.

SPORTS ZONE: Flash Mob Boxing classes for all by Title Boxing

PET ZONE: Puppy Pool Party by Mud Bay, Puppy Kissing Booth by Seatown Veterinary

ART ZONE: Art activates for kids with Seattle Recreative

The Gumshoe 5K Walk returns for its 14th year! Entry forms are now on sale at Ken’s Market, the Phinney Center, and Couth Buzzard Books.

Buy an entry form, solve the 30 clues that guide you through the 3.1 mile neighborhood walk, return your form where you bought it and you’re entered into a drawing for $1,000 worth of prizes!

Event proceeds support the Greenwood Senior Center, Greenwood Elementary School PTA, and Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church Food Bank.

More details, including last year’s clues and answers, at DoTheGumshoe.org

Cost : $20 for a single form or $15 each if two or more are purchased at the same time.

The Phinney Neighborhood Association is looking for an experienced community member to fill this essential position. Job responsibilities include Payroll, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable, general accounting and reconciliations, and preparing monthly financials statements. This position is approximately 24 hours/week.

For a complete position description, including essential responsibilities, minimum qualifications, compensation details, and application instructions, see our posting at http://www.phinneycenter.org/jobs.

Come one, come all to race your favorite summer squash! At this Friday’s Phinney Farmers Market, bring your kids to decorate provided zucchinis and run them down a track to see how quick they can go. One of the only events in Seattle where playing with your food is a requirement, kids (and adults) of all ages are invited to join the fun and create their very own vegetable vehicle to send down the racing ramp.

All materials for the speedy creations are supplied by the farmers markets and farmers

Friday August 2, 4-6pm
Phinney Neighborhood Association, upper parking lot
Free, donations are gratefully accepted

American Dance Institute Shoreline is announcing the 2019 Moscow Ballet Auditions for the Great Russian Nutcracker. This is a chance for area dance students to perform on stage with the principal dancers of the internationally acclaimed Moscow Ballet. 

Dancers must have at least one year of ballet training and must be enrolled in ballet classes for the Fall of 2019 at any greater Seattle/Shoreline area dance school. Dancers 6-18 are eligible, and auditions are free of charge.

When: Tuesday, September 3
Where:  American Dance Institute, 1240 NE 175th Street
What Time:  Registration check-in is 4:00 pm, audition starts at 4:30 pm

Learn more here. https://www.americandanceinstitute.com/nutcracker-seattle/

Please bring yourself and friends for an evening of music, beer, and bingo to help reach the goal of raising $10k for Swim Across America (SAA). These funds enable critical early-stage cancer research.

This event will be Thursday 8/1 from 7-10pm at the Angry Beaver. You can learn more about it here.

You can donate directly to the effort: https://bit.ly/2JZqejm

View a documentary created at the Greenwood Senior Center, featuring participants of The Gathering Place, an early-stage memory loss program. They share inspiring insight and offer holistic narratives about living with memory loss.

Following the movie, Social Worker Carin Mack will lead participants in a discussion exploring the themes of stigma, friendship, and understanding.

Wednesday, July 31, @ 1 – 2 pm at Greenwood Senior Center (525 N. 85th St.)

Register: 206.297.0875

This event is targeted at Mature Job Seekers but all our welcome.Come prepared to speak with HR Managers and Recruiters about current openings and career opportunities.

Companies represented include: Aerotek, Alaska/Horizon Airlines, Coast Management, Department of the Navy, Dignity Memorial, Evergreen Health, First Student, Fred Meyer, Hyatt, Kids Co., MMComfort Systems, MV Transit, Platt Electric, Puget Sound Energy, Securitas, Sherwin Williams, and the University of Washington.

Wednesday July 31, 12:30 – 3pm
WorkSource North Seattle, OCEE Building
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103

Woodland Park Zoo is honoring veterans and active military members by hosting “Zoo for All: Honoring Those Who Serve”, a celebration of veterans and active military and their families to come enjoy the zoo. Additionally, there will be special activities for Honoring Those Who Serve guests, including a resource fair with over 25 nonprofit organizations, a special appearance from zoo ambassador animals, a yoga and mindfulness workshop on the North Meadow led by Veterans Yoga, free scooter and wheelchair rentals and more.

During Honoring Those Who Serve, Woodland Park Zoo will extend free admission to active, reservist, and veteran U.S. military personnel or military spouses plus one guest. Regular military discount will also apply, $4 off for up to six (6) family members. Military personnel or military spouses must show valid military ID.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Yes, we have a Half Price Books warehouse hidden in our neighborhood, just north of 85th Street on the west side of Greenwood Avenue in Seattle.

This Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 6pm, you can fill a HPB bag with whatever you find for $25. They will have more than 60,000 books, comics, LPs, DVDs and more. Individual items are all less than $5.

Saturday 7/27 and Sunday 7/28, 8am – 6pm
Half Price Books Warehouse
9241 Greenwood Ave N

There will be a Design Review Early Guidance meeting on Monday for a proposed 5-story, 81-unit apartment building with retail and parking for 8 vehicles. Three craftsmen houses (7903, 7907 and 7911 Greeenwood Ave N) will be demolished. The community is encouraged to attend.

Review Meeting:
July 29, 6:30 pm. Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave NW. Sunset/Captain Ballard Room

If you wish to file written comments and/or receive a notice of the decision, please send comments to: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, 700 5th Ave Ste 2000, PO Box 34019, Seattle, Washington 98124-4019 or e-mail PRC@seattle.gov. Reference “Project #3033073-EG – Cary Guillory.”

Looking for a good family activity that gets everyone outdoors and exercising? The Gumshoe 5K Walk returns for its 14th year!

Buy an entry form, solve the 30 clues that guide you through the 3.1 mile neighborhood walk, return your form where you bought it and you’re entered into a drawing for $1,000 worth of prizes. Event proceeds support the Greenwood Senior Center, Greenwood Elementary School PTA, and Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church Food Bank.

More details, including last year’s clues and answers, at DoTheGumshoe.org. For a little insider information, join the Gumshoe Facebook Group. Entry forms go on sale Aug. 2, 2019 at Ken’s Market, the Phinney Center, and Couth Buzzard Books.

Cost : $20 for a single form or $15 each if two or more are purchased at the same time.

Gumshoe runs from Friday August 2 through Sunday August 18.

The Seattle Public Library is seeking Homework Help volunteers who have a passion for helping elementary, middle and high school students succeed in school. The 2019-2020 Homework Help program will be offered from September 9, 2019 through June 11, 2020.

Volunteers tutor students in all academic subjects and may also specialize in English, math and science. Most of the students at Homework Help attend elementary and middle schools. Volunteers interact with children and teens in small groups and individually. For more information, please read the attached Homework Helper volunteer service description and watch a short video.

If you would like to join us as a Homework Helper this coming school year, please complete the online Homework Help volunteer application by July 31.

Also, FamilyWorks is having a school supply drive that runs through August 12. Click here to view the School Supply Donation page and learn more about donating items or buying discounted supplies in bulk through their partner, Blu School Supplies.

FamilyWorks will also be partnering with six organizations (including WithinReach, North Seattle Family Resource Center, and El Centro de la Raza) to bring a Resource Fair on the same day as the School Supply program. In addition to quality school supplies, families will get access to a variety of resources to help them thrive throughout the year.

A Greenwood summertime tradition, the annual Greenwood Seafair Parade presented by Fred Meyer is the oldest neighborhood Seafair parade in the region. Thousands of people line the route to watch the over 100 entrants that include bands, drill teams, floats, pirates and more. The PNA has sponsored the parade since the early 1980s.

There will be a truck parked at the 85th St. Fred Meyer accepting non-perishable food donations before, during and after the parade (5-8:30pm).

Parade route: Greenwood Avenue from N. 95th to N. 85th, then west to 6th NW.

Wednesday, July 24 from 6pm – 8pm

Per Opus Co.’s Facebook: ” We’re turning 2! To celebrate our 2nd anniversary we’re raising some money for the Ballard Food Bank!

Stop by on Wednesday, July 24th from 4:30-8 pm, we’re serving a buffet style dinner. Stop in for a bit or hang for a while, up to you! $10/plate & $5 for beverages. All proceeds will be donated to the Ballard Food Bank. We’ll also be accepting non-perishable food items, if you’d like to make a food donation as well.

Please note, we will not be having a regular dinner service that night.

Thanks for an amazing & incredible year. We’re really fortunate to do what we’re doing and we appreciate all of the love and support.”

More than 175 million items were purchased during Amazon’s 2019 Prime Day event earlier this week. With the help of Seattle’s new recycling startup, Ridwell, hard-to-recycle Amazon packaging waste will be picked up for free from non-Ridwell members in the Seattle service area from July 22 to August 1st. Anyone interested can sign up here to be notified when the pickups are scheduled. 

Ridwell hopes to make a large impact by recycling Amazon packaging the right way. Too often these materials are placed incorrectly in curbside bins which puts stress on our already struggling recycling systems. Alternatively, many people throw these plastics in the garbage where they are buried in a landfill instead of recycled into new things.  So far this week, over 1,000 households have signed up to be notified of Ridwell’s upcoming free Prime Day pickups.

Ridwell also offers other pickup and recycling of esoteric waste – learn more here.

PhinneyWood is full of wonderful people and great places that we all wish we knew more about. Resident Kevin Kozel periodically digs deeper to let us know more in a column we like to call … Hi Neighbor!

Every neighborhood needs a place for the locals to hang out; a home away from home where you can see your friends and meet new people. Prashanthi Reddy found comfort in her local coffee shops while attending college in Pittsburgh and later as a barista in Michigan. She missed that culture in the corporate world and wanted to recreate it in her own way. Now 11 years gone, Makeda and Mingus fills this need for many in the PhinneyWood community.

Kevin Kozel (KK): You’ve been here for over a decade now, but what originally made you decide to open a coffee shop in the land of coffee shops?

Prashanthi Reddy (PR): I really wanted a place that would essentially be my club house that focused on good coffee, but also the customers and the community. Kind of like your local watering hole, but coffee style.

KK: You started as Makeda Coffee, and now you are Makeda and Mingus. What has changed in the shop over time?

PR: We’ve had beer and wine since the beginning, but not everyone thought about stopping in for a beer at a place with coffee in its name. So we changed the name to Makeda and Mingus. Mingus is my dog; he’s a rat terrier. He’s also named after Charles Mingus, the jazz musician, which also encompasses the arts and culture of the shop.

KK: And where did Makeda come from?

PR: Makeda is the name of the Queen of Sheba, and the area of Sheba is now Ethiopia and Eritrea, where coffee was first discovered.

KK: There are several shops in the neighborhood, and yet the only one leaving is Starbucks. How do you all co-exist?

PR: I share customers with at least a few coffee shops. I think we all meet different needs. Some have parking, some are geared towards working and studying, while others are more for hanging out. We tend to be more social, so this is the place where you want to hang out, meet your neighbors, catch up on the neighborhood happenings and make a new friend.

KK: You make that point on your signage as well. This is Makeda and Mingus’ “Community Table.” In what ways have you seen your shop become this more over time? 

PR: I think the biggest thing I have seen over the years is that parents trust their kids to ride their bike here or meet their friends here. It’s a safe space for their kids to come and hang out as they’re growing up.

KK: We keep saying you’re a coffee shop, but you’re really much more than that. As you’ve said, you offer beer and wine, and you have food as well.

PR: On Monday nights we have a craft night where I make soup and mac and cheese. Thursday night I make a homestyle south Indian dinner. We do have some of these things throughout the week, but I highlight it by day to show off more of our offerings.

KK: Your shop is just around the corner from Greenwood Avenue, so it’s a little less visible, but also keeps you off the busier street. Has that hurt or helped you?

PR: A little of both. I bought it as a turnkey, so it already had an established clientele and word-of-mouth worked out really well. Then around 2016 we saw a little downturn in business and that coincided with the changes in the housing market in the area. As the neighborhood started changing it was also changing my business. In the very beginning one of my coffee mentors told me, “If you want to have a neighborhood coffee shop, make the neighborhood feel like they own the shop.” So I started marketing from square one and had to build up the clientele again.

KK: How has the PNA helped make you a part of the community?

PR: I love having the PNA. It’s an anchor for the neighborhood. I can’t think of many other neighborhoods that have something similar to it. They’re really helpful for businesses and really help amplify what you’re doing. They already have a lot of neighborhood events so there isn’t pressure to do everything. You can do what works for you at a given time.

KK: Do you think your shop would do as well in another neighborhood?

PR: This neighborhood really suits us. Since the beginning I’ve felt that PhinneyWood is a small town in a medium-sized city. You do know your neighbors here. I don’t want to call the “Seattle freeze” a myth, but I haven’t experienced it. In this neighborhood people know each other really well.

KK: As PhinneyWood continues to change, how do you see Makeda and Mingus changing?

PR: I really view myself as a part of the community. I live in the neighborhood and want to provide a space, in whatever capacity, that is for the folks that live here as well. My goal is to stay flexible and available for whatever the neighborhood needs.

If you want to meet Prashanthi, or more of your fellow neighbors, stop by Makeda and Mingus for a drink or bite to eat. It can be found at 153 N 78th Street.

Any person, place, or thing you want to know more about in our neighborhood? Feel free to drop us a line or leave a comment and we’ll look into making it a future feature on Hi Neighbor!

After 43 years of organic gardening and community building, The Ballard P-Patch, one of Seattle’s oldest gardens in the P-Patch program, is at risk of losing their garden site to real estate development. The landowner, Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, recently determined that they need to sell the property to fund safety upgrades and renovations to their building.

Our Redeemer’s has valued their partnership with the garden and its community since 1976, leasing the land for only $1 per year to the City of Seattle. Their stated hope is that the community can rally and purchase the land, keeping it a green space in an increasingly dense urban community. But time is short, with construction planned for April, 2020.

The Ballard P-Patch offers 83 individual families garden space, as well as three raised bed areas for mobility-challenged gardeners. But beyond growing produce and flowers, the value of the garden is its role in building community:

• Giving Gardens produce 1300+ lbs of produce for the Ballard Food Bank.
• Annual Art in the Garden Festival that showcases local artists, music, and food.
• Emergency Hub Location protects the community with on-site disaster recovery supplies.
• Garden tours for local schools educate our youth on agriculture in our society.
• ADA-accessible pathways and raised garden beds bring nature to all.
• Open patio and grill available to everyone in the community.

How to help?

The gardeners are reaching out to leaders in the business and civic communities at city and county levels, exploring options for grants and public funding and pooling their contact lists for potential private philanthropists. Email info@ballardppatch.org if you can assist with any of this.

This is also a grassroots fundraising campaign. The gardeners are actively engaging the community and participating in local events to raise awareness and funds. If you would like to show your support, please attend.

Meanwhile, help spread the word:

• Like their Facebook Page
• Follow their Instagram Feed
• Join Twitter
• Share their Donation Page
• Forward their Sign-up Sheet

The North Precinct Community Picnic is happening this Saturday July 20, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the North Precinct (10049 College Way North).

They will have hot dogs, soft-serve ice cream, music, kids activities, and a chance to see various specialty units (including the horses).

SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator, Mary Amberg, reports there will also be “911 storytime for the kids” and “great jokes shared by Sgt. Newsom.”

A Greenwood summertime tradition, the annual Greenwood Seafair Parade presented by Fred Meyer is the oldest neighborhood Seafair parade in the region. Thousands of people line the route to watch the over 100 entrants that include bands, drill teams, floats, pirates and more. The PNA has sponsored the parade since the early 1980s.

Parade route: Greenwood Avenue from N. 95th to N. 85th, then west to 6th NW.

Wednesday, July 24 from 6pm – 8pm

The Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) posted a job description for a new executive director today. A Facebook post from their Board President, Amanda Froh, reads:

As you may have already learned, Lee Harper, PNA’s amazing executive director for the last 9+ years, has decided to move on to new professional and personal adventures.

In Lee’s words… “I’ve been with PNA for nearly a decade and I’m so proud of where we are and so grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to lead this organization in collaboration with the board, staff, membership, and larger community. For myself, I’m ready to take a step back, relax a little bit (!), and explore the ‘what’s next’. As for that, I plan to spend the next couple of years using my skills and experience to help organizations throughout King County deepen their impact through a combination of consulting and interim leadership. Though I’m leaving as PNA’s executive director, I’ll remain a member of this community that I love.”

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deepest thanks and admiration for Lee and her innumerable contributions to strengthening the PNA and our community.

Her last day is October 3, when she will give the keynote address at the Greenwood Senior Center’s Power of Community Breakfast. We’d love to see all of you there to support the Senior Center and send her off in style!
Two of the hallmarks of the PNA are stability and visionary leadership.

In the past 40 years, we have had only two executive directors! These are big shoes to fill, but we are excited to move forward and are up to the challenge. We have already made great progress in our search for our third leader to guide PNA into the future. We need your help in spreading the word about this opportunity! 

The job description can be found at phinneycenter.org/jobs. The PNA is also hiring a Development Associate and a Spanish-language Preschool Teacher.

Moon Landing 50th Anniversary Party. This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and the first moon landing. This was a formative experience for many Americans, perhaps even you.

This is geared towards people who were there to see it and those who just wish they were. Join the community to watch the moon landing as it was originally seen live on television.

Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St. Friday July 19, 1-2:30pm. RSVP: 206.297.0875.

Phinney Farmer’s Market. Enjoy your Friday afternoons at our beloved neighborhood Farmer’s Market that runs weekly through September 27.
Grab dinner or a snack, listen to live music 5-7 pm, and get your fresh produce and other goodies for the week.

Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N. Friday July 19, 3:30 – 7:30pm.

Infant, Child & Adult CPR Class. In this class, students will learn infant, child, and adult CPR, as well as how to help a choking infant, child or adult.  It’s a great class for new or expecting parents, teachers, anyone who works with kids. Certificates will be issued at the end of class.

Taught by Ken Norris, a 26-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department who has taught CPR for 25 years. You can register here.

Phinney Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N. Friday July 19, 7-8pm.

Don’t throw that gadget away! The PNA Fixers Collective is hosting a Fix-It Repair Café Day, and, as they say, “you can’t break what’s already broken.”

Bring in your broken appliances, devices, lamps, and tools to the Greenwood Public Library for some guidance and help in putting it back together again, and maybe even fixing it in the process.

The idea is to take a moment before throwing something away to figure out if you can save it and prevent buying a new one. It’s also an excellent way to learn how things work and enjoy some good company. You can bring something broken along with you or just bring yourself to watch and learn.

Saturday July 20, 11am – 2pm. Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave N

Questions?  Please contact the PNA Tool Library at 206.783.2244 x 48, wellhome@phinneycenter.org.

Phinney’s own Makeda & Mingus is hosting a Plant Swap!

You are invited to bring seeds, pots, books, plants or other indoor gardening items. If you are bringing plants to swap, please clearly label them, make sure they are healthy and pest free, and know if you want to trade or give them away. In addition to fully rooted plants, it is also ok to bring water-propagated plants and or fresh cuttings – just make sure what you are bringing is viable and healthy.

It’s also a good idea to bring a bag or tray to carry your new additions home in.

Makeda & Mingus
153 N 78th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Saturday July 20th, 1 – 5pm

The PNA Summer Beer Taste – “Beerstock” – was a rocking success with over 600 tasters enjoying the vast selection of beers and ciders. The event raised $17,155 which supports the Phinney Neighborhood Association programs serving our community. 

Congratulations to this year’s crowd favorites: 
1st Place – Lucky Envelope Mango Lassi Milkshake Hazy IPA
2nd Place – Urban Family Mantra Imperial Sour Mango, 
3rd Place – Fremont Bourbon Barrel Aged Dark Star: Coffee Edition 

Cider: Portland Cider Pineapple Rosé