That photo is from Shannon Felix at Avalon Glassworks in Luna Park, along with an explanation below:

“Red Across” Day at Avalon Glassworks this Sunday:

All-Red-All-Day to Support American Red Cross.

Shop at Avalon Glassworks on Sunday, June 14 when we we will be donating 10% of the day’s sales to help American Red Cross of King and Kitsap Counties.

Watch live glassblowing throughout the day, we’re making ALL RED stuff.

See a special RED vase demonstration at 2pm.

Get the limited edition mini RED float for a $20 donation.

10% of the day’s sales will be donated to American Red Cross.

More info at http://www.avalonglassworks.com

Yet more proof that summer is just around the corner – so is the summer season that kicks off June 21 on Washington State Ferries, with details in a news release we just received – read on:Read More

Update on the public-safety-focused forum tomorrow in Burien:
Dow Constantine
Ross Hunter
Susan Hutchison
Fred Jarrett
Larry Phillips

all have confirmed, according to organizers. Here’s the announcement again:

The King County Police Chief’s Association is hosting a County Executive Candidate’s Forum on Thursday, June 11th. The candidates running for King County Executive are invited to the forum, which is open to the public and press.

The Police Chief’s Association is comprised of the 34 King County police chiefs, the Sheriff, corrections professionals, as well as state and federal criminal justice partners.

The goal of the candidate’s forum is for each candidate to present their vision for public safety and the criminal justice system in King County. Questions from the chiefs will be asked of the candidates.

WHEN: Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

WHERE; Criminal Justice Training Center’
19010 – 1st Avenue South
Burien, WA

From WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits in the Admiral District – a sale, and a theme, kicking off tomorrow night for the Art Walk:

West Seattle Artwalk opening Thursday Jun 11th, 6 – 9pm
featuring the authors of Seattle based Mixed Greens blog
www.mixedgreensblog.com

Click! Design That Fits welcomes authors/photographers Sally Shintaffer and Poppy Barach. Their “locavore” blog is an ongoing tour of the many opportunities to keep a small footprint by truly living locally in the Pacific Northwest. The walls of Click! will be adorned with portraits of edibles featured in Mixed Greens blog posts. Both Sally and Poppy have a gentle photographic style that unveils the beauty of the summer harvest.

The evening will also include in-store give aways, a sampling of recipes featured on their blog including a tasty seasonal cocktail and their photography which will be available for purchase during the entire month of June.

June Sale At Click! beginning during the West Seattle Artwalk
Fresh & Local Design

– share the beauty — all Mixed Greens fresh photo cards — 20% off
– shlep your fresh veggies with out a motor — market trolleys — 20% off
– ideas for your newly fresh kitchen — farm fresh Chronicle book — 20% off
– designed in South Park and poured in Georgetown — urbancase “transistor” and “polaroid” beeswax candles to illuminate your local meal — 20% off
– and just because – sustainably harvested cork jewelry designed and made at Click! — 20% off
– no more bulky grocery bags — envirosax — $9.50 each, 4 for $32
– posh plates to showcase your new found freshness — working class studio veggie plates — $9 each, 4 for $32

Thanks to Lashanna for making sure we had this – the closing ceremony for the school building that’s been home to Pathfinder K-8 for more than a decade:

Genesee Hill Closing Ceremony
Saturday June 13 – 10am-2pm

The Pathfinder K-8 program will permanently move to the Cooper Elementary Building in September 2009. Join Pathfinder alumni, staff past & present, and friends to say good-bye to Pathfinder’s home of 14 years, the Genesee Hill Building. Food, activities, and a Closing Ceremony will be part of this special day.

Here’s the announcement from ArtsWest:

What: CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv

When: Thursday & Friday, June 11 & 12, 8:00pm

Price: $10

Where: ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery
4711 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116
www.artswest.org

Box Office: Tickets at the door only

KRAM Improv presents CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv, a fast-paced improvised crime comedy about a team of investigators who use both bleeding-edge science and old-fashioned police know-how to solve crimes.

Inspired by the popular television series, CSI: Seattle – Crime Scene Improv invites the audience to follow criminals, cops and other low-lifes through a different mystery each night. With the savoir-faire of Inspector Clouseau and the subtlety of David Caruso, the intrepid team solves the crimes (usually) and avenges the victims (even when they maybe don’t deserve it).

KRAM is made up of: Angela Bennett, Alex Dittmar, Rachel Jackson, Megan Nyce and Matt Williams.

Here’s the official announcement:

Friday, June 19, 6:30 – 8, Speaker Event at West Side Presbyterian Church
3601 California Avenue SW
Dessert and coffee at 6:30
Presentation at 7:00

Have you wondered lately ‘how are teens handling this global society’? Teens will
always see things differently than adults but the “lenses” teens see through are
quite different today now due to globalization, affluence, and instant/faceless
communication. Chris O’Shaughnessy, an international speaker and comedian, is
coming to West Seattle to share what he has learned over the past decade from
working with teens and building stronger communities. He will share insight and
background into what he has learned about the current generation of teens’
worldview. Come to learn to understand where teens are coming from, to interact in
a more effective way and to translate what they want for teens into terms teens can
appreciate.

From the Admiral Theater:

“Ouch your Brains Are Killing Me”

Twisted Films Brings “B Movie to the Admiral For Laughs

Jet City Improv’s Twisted Flicks is a movie experience like no other.
Director, Mike Christensen calls it “fun old movies with a funny new twist.”
The troupe takes a classic, cheesy “B” movie shown without its original
soundtrack. All dialog, sound effects and music are improvised live by their
team of players, based on suggestions from that night’s audience. Each
night, the picture may be the same, but the movie is completely different.
The show is fast-paced, funny and suitable for all ages. To purchase
tickets through Brown Paper Tickets go to:

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/finalizeevent.html?e_id=69664

“I remember loving Mystery Science Theater 3000 where one man and his two
robot pals would make fun of a cheesy movie. I am excited to be able to
bring that kind of comedy to the Admiral Theater. It’s unique, spontaneous
and totally fun”. The dates for Twisted Flicks are June 13th; July 24th and
August 21st.

Tickets for the comedy shows are $12.00 and can be purchased through Brown
Paper Tickets or at the door that evening. The Admiral is teaming up with a
few exclusive restaurants who will be offering “Dinner & a Show” discounts.
If you bring your receipt from your meal that evening, you will be given a
coupon which is good for $2.00 off one ticket at the door. These
discounts are only good for those tickets purchased at the theater, not
through Brown Paper Tickets.

Currently, the restaurants participating in the dinner & a show promotion is
Café Revo, Endolyne Joe’s Feedback Lounge and the Mission Bar.

We know several people who’ve done this and they say it’s an unforgettable experience – here’s the official announcement from Seattle Police:

Seattle Police now taking applications for the Community Police Academy

Want to learn about the role of police officers? What is CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)? How about having the opportunity to ride-along with a police officer while patrolling Seattle streets and neighborhoods?

The Seattle Police Department is now taking applications for the fall Community Police Academy to begin Thursday, September 17, 2009. Classes are held once a week for 10 weeks from 5:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The Community Police Academy is designed to provide Seattle residents an opportunity to learn first hand about how the Seattle Police Department works. Classes focus on patrol operations and procedures, the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA), the criminal justice process, crimes against persons/property, bias crimes, narcotics, SWAT, CSI, use of force, officer safety and defensive tactics, firearms/mock scenes, domestic violence, elder abuse, arson/bomb, traffic, K-9, and arrest procedures, along with criminal law. Opportunities include ride-alongs with patrol officers. Graduates benefit from the facts and best practices of policing, and receive a program certificate upon completion of the course.

Space is limited, so all are encouraged to apply early. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, July 10, 2009. To apply, go to:

seattle.gov/police/programs/policeacademy/default.htm or call 206-684-8672 for more information.

Pete Spalding forwards word of an event that Verity Credit Union is putting on in two Puget Sound communities – Beacon Hill’s not that far away:

Every year we host a Shred-A-Thon, or two, to aid our branch communities in safe disposal practices of confidential and sensitive information. This year, Beacon Hill and Alderwood will be hosting a Shred-A-Thon at each of their branch locations on Saturday, June 13th from 10 am-2 pm. A shred truck will be provided at each location for the disposal of sensitive paper waste (anyone is welcome) which, as we all know, aids in the prevention of fraud and identity theft. In addition to this once a year benefit, BH and AW will be asking for minimum $5 donations or non-perishable food items to donate to the Beacon Hill and Lynnwood food banks. Not only are we aiding in the prevention of fraud and identity theft, we are helping our local communities in need.

The Beacon Hill branch of Verity Credit Union, by the way, is at the VA hospital at 1660 S. Columbian Way; here’s a map.

Just received this announcement from teen-services librarian Dennis Carlisle:

Hands-On Henna!
Monday June 15, 3 p.m.
High Point Library
3411 SW Raymond St.

Create and wear great-looking art! Discover this beautiful form of body adornment
and learn about the fascinating history and traditions of henna with artist Krysteen
Lomonaco. This is a free Summer Reading Program event for teens only (12 – 18 yrs.
old). Not suitable for large groups such as summer camps. Registration is not
required but registration guarantees a seat. For more information, please call
206-684-7454

It’s a popular program around Puget Sound, and now there’s a West Seattle site:

Mark your calendars! Starting in late September, Pathfinder School will be a program site for Girls on the Run of Puget Sound. This exciting, non-competitive program combines training for a 3.1 mile walking/running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the program are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development for girls. The program is offered to girls entering 3rd through 5th grade next fall of ALL fitness levels. The program will start the week of September 28th and culminate with the 3.1 mile event on December 12th. Practices are Tuesdays and Thursdays for 11/2 hours right after school (exact times to be determined). Registration is open from June 1st through June 12th and then again briefly in September. Scholarships are available for the registration fee which is on a sliding fee schedule. See registration packet for more information. This program is open to girls from other schools as well as Pathfinder. Maximum enrollment is 12 girls so don’t wait to sign up! For more information on the program contact:

Amber Swim, Program Coordinator at 206-528-2118 or amber@girsrun.org
Celia Thomas, Pathfinder parent at 206-933-1363 or thomasandhanney@comcast.net

So invites Ron Angeles, the city’s coordinator for the district, with this note:

In the City of Seattle, citizens are encouraged to participate in city government and one of the most effective ways of getting involved in through your District Council.

In 1987, the Seattle City Council established the District Council system as a way of soliciting input and advice from citizens on city-sponsored programs and initiatives.

Date: Wednesday, June 17th
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
Address: 4408 Delridge Way SW (formerly old Cooper Elementary School)

This month the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council will have on its agenda a
presentation by Andrea Petzel, Senior Land Use Planner,Seattle Department of
Planning and Development on the proposed legislation to establish more backyard
cottages in Southwest Seattle. And a presentation by Erin Taylor, who is
representing the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group(LDWG), a group of partners (City of
Seattle, King County, Port of Seattle, The Boeing Company) coordinating cleanup of
the Lower Duwamish Waterway.

As customary, all Neighborhood Organizations and Groups will have an opportunity to
give reports and announcements of activities, programs, and events going on in
Delridge.

Please feel free to bring a neighbor, friend, student, co-worker…with you.

Ron

A reminder from the city:

Seattle Municipal court continues to offer citizens the opportunity to reduce outstanding debt on delinquent parking and traffic tickets through the month of June.

Time is running out for people to take advantage of this program.

In the month of May, over 5,500 parking tickets and 400 infractions that had been in collections were paid by citizens. Many of these individuals benefited from reductions of up to 40%.

More information about the program is available online at seattle.gov/courts.

When low tides reveal more of West Seattle’s shore, you don’t have to figure it out for yourself – you can take advantage of this free service – here’s the official announcement we received:

The Seattle Aquarium will have uniformed Beach Naturalists at Constellation Park Marine Reserve (63rd SW and Beach Drive SW) and Lincoln Park (south of the pool) on the following low tide dates:

June 7, 10 am – 1:30 pm
June 20, 9am – 12pm; June 21, 10am – 1pm
June 22, 10am – 1pm & June 23, 10am – 2pm
July 5, 10am – 1pm
July 19, 9am – 11am; July 20, 9:30am -12:30pm; July 21, 10am – 1:30pm

They can answer questions about marine life on these two West Seattle beaches. For more information visit The Seattle Aquarium website:
www.seattleaquarium.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=267

July 3, there’s a blood drive at West Seattle’s PCC. Here’s the official announcement:

Did you know that nearly 38,000 transfusions are performed daily in the
United States? Volunteer donors are the only source of this precious
gift which can mean life for pre-mature babies, cancer and surgery
patients, accident victims and other ill and injured people.

Each day the Puget Sound Blood Center must collect nearly 900 pints of
blood to support patients within our community. Donors must be 18 or
older (16 or 17 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and
be in good general health. Because blood is separated into and
transfused as components, just one donation can help up to three people.

Hydrating well prior to donation and eating a small meal can help the
donation process if you have never donated before. And remember, you
can donate every 8 weeks -that’s up to 6 times per year! If you have
questions about medical criteria or potential deferrals, please contact
1-800-398-7888 or email our Clinical Support Specialists,
clinicalsupport@psbc.org.

Please help support the PCC Natural Market-West Seattle blood drive!
Walk-ins are welcome!

Date: Friday, July 3, 2009

Where: PCC Natural Market, West Seattle

Address: 2749 California Ave SW

Hours: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm (lunch break from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)

Thank you for your support!

Got this from Paul Fischburg:

Our beloved Joe Crookston will make a rare appearance at Youngstown on August 8th – doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:30.

Tickets are already on sale and this concert will almost certainly sell out. Seats are limited but the magic and creativity are not! You can pick up tickets at for $15 at Fremont Place Books: 621 N. 35th St Seattle, WA (206-547-5970) e-mail: info@FremontPlaceBooks.com for info.

Or Tickets can be purchased online at: brownpapertickets.com

It’s not in West Seattle, but Safe Futures Youth Center is – here’s a chance to help:

Rock & Bowl for SafeFutures Youth Center!

June 9th, 2009 / 5:30pm

Garage Billiards (Capitol Hill)
1130 Broadway Ave, Seattle

$20 minimum donation requested (includes bowling and shoes rental)
Must be 21+, ID required
Chance to win door prizes!

For more information, call Alex at 206-235-8892

Here’s the official announcement:

Thursday July 2 Peace Lutheran 3816 39th Ave. SW [39th/Thistle] will host a Potluck/Presentation Block Party from 6-8 pm featuring the Tour de Revs, a trio of Lutheran Pastors travelling cross country on a bamboo bicycle built for three to raise awareness and funds to end Hunger. This will be stop 39 of 65 in their 13,000 mile journey traveling on their custom bamboo bicycle created by Craig Calfee from a design originally created for local production in the developing world.

The cycling Revs will share about their trip, the bike, and their mission to end Hunger. Cycling youth from Peace Lutheran, St. Luke’s in Bellevue, and Our Savior’s in Issaquah will be cycling in that evening from a local cycling and service trip and will also share about their experience.

West Seattle and White Center Food Banks along with other local charities and community agencies will be represented, the grills will be grilling and the people chilling.

Bring a non perishable food item for the West Seattle and White Center Food Banks and something to share.

Ride your bike and end the evening with a sunset ride in beautiful West Seattle with the Revs.

All are welcome.

www.peacelutheranseattle.org
www.tourderevs.org

Questions/RSVP Kristie Neklason worldhunger@lutheransnw.org

News release from the city:

Mayor Greg Nickels this week signed legislation authorizing
an admissions tax exemption for live music venues in Seattle. The
exemption becomes effective in July. The current admissions tax is 5
percent on every dollar of ticket sales. The exemption will benefit
venues that have live music on a regular basis.

“Seattle has a great tradition of cutting-edge music that gives our
city its soul. But in the past few years, we’ve seen six of our live
music venues close and only one open. With this legislation, we are
making it easier for live music venues to not only get started, but also
thrive in Seattle,” said Nickels.

The tax exemption will provide an incentive for business owners to
offer live music in Seattle, enhance the city’s cultural appeal, and
bolster economic development in a variety of neighborhoods.

The city estimates that up to 65 live music venues will take advantage
of the admissions tax exemption. To be eligible, a live music venue
must:
● Have an established certificate of occupancy of less than 1,000
people;
● Host or present live music on average at least three times per week
on a regular schedule;
● Hire on average at least 16 musicians per week; and
● Have committed no more than three violations of any one or more
civil or criminal laws concerning public health, noise, licensing,
taxing or permitting in the calendar year preceding or during the date
the admission tax is due.

Just announced by the city Parks Department:

Seattle Parks and Recreation will host four public meetings for
community members to meet with Parks Superintendent Timothy Gallagher.
The purpose of the meetings is to give the community an opportunity to
talk with Seattle Parks and Recreation about how the agency is meeting
the needs of neighbors.

Everyone is invited to the meeting, including those who are regular
users of parks and those who participate in Parks sponsored programs and
activities, as well as those who have never visited a community center
or taken a class with Parks.

At the meeting, visitors will have the opportunity to:
· Meet the staff who work at the community and have one-on-one
conversations about what is working, and what can be improved.
· Talk with the Superintendent about your ideas for building
community relationships, and making sure Parks programs and services
respond best to the needs of those living in the community.
· Get updates about what’s new at the centers.

Meetings will be held at the following locations:

· Northgate Community Center,10510 5th Ave. NE.
Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m.
For more information, please contact Pati Maxwell or Tim Pretare at
(206) 386-GATE(4283) or pati.maxwell@seattle.govor
tim.pretare@seattle.gov.
· Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S. Myrtle St.
Monday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Kyle Griggs or Daryl Look at the
Van Asselt Community Center at (206) 386-1921 or
kyle.griggs@seattle.govor daryl.look@seattle.gov.

· Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave S.
Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Doreen Deaver at (206) 684-7481 or
Doreen.deaver@seattle.gov.

· South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S
Wednesday, June 24, 7 p.m.
For more information, please contact Antoinette Daniel at (206)
684-7451 or antoinette.daniel@seattle.gov.

The official announcement – you’ll find many of these in our Weekend Lineups every Friday, too, but here’s an all-in-one-place reference:

June at Camp Long

Call 684-7434 to reserve your place in one of our programs!

Bug Exploration!
All Ages

Let’s explore the bugs and slugs of Camp Long ! Will we find a Satyr Anglewing, Spring Azure, Hover fly mimic, “Gold Bug” or a Spotted Leopard slug? Join us in carefully collecting, observing and learning more about the lives of these sluggers and 6-leggeds that account for 4 out of every 5 animals! Please register by June 12. Instructor: Stewart Wechsler
Course 40561 June 13 Sat 2 – 4 p.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6

Father’s Day Mucking at Me-Kwa-Mooks
Ages 5 and older

Dads, you know your family always loves seeing sea creatures when the tidal blankets are removed. Sea stars, moon snails, mossy chitons, Oh my! We might see naked nudibranchs, clothed crabs and armored chitons and if we are lucky maybe a little giant octopus. It is a -3.4 low tide; come early and have lunch at the beach. Those attending must be able to walk on slippery rocks. Be sure to wear waterproof boots. Please register by June 19. Instructor: Gretchen Graber
Course 39639 June 21 Sun 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6

Bike Maintenance for Families
Ages 8 and older

Get ready for a summer of biking with a well maintained bike, ready to roll! Join avid biker Jason Goodman, in learning how to maintain your bike in good condition and learn some great biking routes in West Seattle that connect you to your favorite parks! Jason will also introduce you to his sturdy homemade bike bags.
#43263 6/27 Sat 10 a.m. – Noon
Activity Fee $7

First Saturday Free Walks
Ages 8 and older

Lend a hand in your community park. Help with; forest restoration, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, planting and weeding. Volunteers meet the first Saturday of each month (the second Saturday on holiday weekends) to help beautify the park. Please join us! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP by calling 206-684-7415.

June 6 Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Frink Park FREE
All Ages
A small piece of the Lake Washington Boulevard , Frink Park is one of the best living examples of how one individual’s commitment can change a community and create a common bond. Ten years ago a group of neighbors founded the Friends of Frink Park and have been influencing what this restoration looks like. Location: 398 Lake Washington Blvd S. Please register by calling 684-7434.

Location: Frink Park
Course 41410 June 6 Sat 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Herring’s House FREE
All Ages

The former Seaboard Lumber site has morphed into an intertidal habitat at the oldest known Duwamish Village Site. Join us with binoculars to spot the osprey and eagle nests in the neighborhood. Then we will venture to the Duwamish longhouse to tour: Where History Comes Alive. Meet at West Marginal Way SW and SW Alaska . Please register by calling 684-7434.

Location: Herring’s House Park
Course 39642 June 6 Sat 2 – 5 p.m.

Tot Treks and Tyke Hikes

Tot Treks
Ages 2 – 3

Adults – share nature with your children! In a local park where the grass and ferns grow, beneath the tall, old trees, is a special place for you and a child to explore. Learn effective and fun outdoor activities and ideas for other times and places. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Up to two children can be registered with each adult. Sorry, no strollers.
Activity Fee: $7 per adult/child pair. $3.50 for each additional person

Dashing Dragonflies
Course 39664 June 9 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.

Barnacles, Sea Stars, Crabs, Oh My!
Course 39621 June 23 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.

Volunteer

Thank the Earth for Your Birth FREE
All Ages
Celebrate someone’s birthday at Camp Long and give Mother Earth a present, too! Spend some time with your human, plant and animal friends. Bring your party to the park. Gather your friends, do restoration work for an hour or two then come inside to celebrate a birthday and your day’s accomplishments. You can have your cake and weed it, too.
Please call 206-684-7479 for more information

Camp Long First Saturdays Work Party
Free All ages, families
Leave your family legacy at Camp Long by helping restore a patch of native habitat in the park. Make friends while you help preserve a future for ourselves and our native plants and animals. Please register by calling (206) 423-0762.
Location: Forest
June 6 Sat 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mater Matrix Mother and Medium

Join fellow Seattle-ites to crochet, knot and twist recycled fabrics into artwork. Mandy Greer will host an ongoing series of participatory art events throughout Seattle in June. For the full calendar of events, visit the Matter Matrix Mother Blog . See the artwork at Camp Long in West Seattle

June 15 thru July 31 Camp Long is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Meet the artist and witness the creation of the artwork. Greer will be installing her artwork near the Polliwog Pond 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, June 15-July 9.

The project culminates in a performance produced by Greer in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Zoe Scofield. The performance will take place near Polliwog Pond at Camp Long on Thursday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.

This artwork commissioned with Seattle Public Utilities 1% for Art Funds administered by the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in partnership with Restore our Waters.

For more information about ways to protect and improve Seattle’s urban waterway, visit the

Restore Our Waters webpage at http://www.seattle.gov/util/restorourwaters/

Schmitz Park Elementary parent Nancy Beckett sent that photo and this story to go with it:

Judi Lybecker Schmitz Park Elementary Librarian is retiring after 20 years.

We are hosting a celebration on Tuesday, June 9th from 3:30 to 4:30 at the Schmitz Park Elementary Library Current and past students, parents, friends and family are invited to attend and say goodbye and send Judi off on her next journey.

Judi Lybecker has been the librarian at Schmitz Park Elementary for 20 years and she is retiring at the end of this 2008-2009 school year. She shared the job for the first 17 years and then became full time 3 years ago. Her favorite part of being a librarian has been matching children to books that will get them excited about reading. Judi says that computers have brought the biggest change to libraries over the last 20 years.

She has observed that students are reading longer books now since the arrival of the Harry Potter 300+ page books. Before the Harry Potter books, authors and scholars thought that younger kids would not read 300+ page books and now there lots of them.

She noted that TV and video games have affected students attention spans, however, they are still checking out books as they always have done over the years. Judi’s advise to parents is not worry so much about what kids read as long as they are reading and it is age appropriate. When asked about her favorite children’s book she quickly replied that it was and is “Anne of Green Gables”. This book was her best childhood friend when she was growing up because she moved often. Judi loves to read and she enjoys lots of different types of books including Sookie Stackhouse books. She says that working at Schmitz Park Elementary has been a wonderful and she has enjoyed working with all the children, parents and staff.