Though the event’s not in West Seattle, the Young Shakespeare Workshop‘s director Darren Lay lives here, so here’s the word on what’s coming up next month:

“Assist me some extemporal god of Rhyme, for I
am sure I shall turn Sonnet.” — Don Armado, Love’s Labor’s Lost

A marathon performance of poetry will grace Seattle stages this summer. All 154 of William Shakespeare’s sonnets — short poems which he wrote for his friends and loved ones — will be performed on Saturday, August 1st to mark the 400th anniversary of their publication.

This sonnet marathon is hosted by Young Shakespeare Workshop, a company of talented teenagers gathered from Seattle and beyond who spend their summers steeped in Shakespeare’s words. Instead of swimming, camping and playing soccer, these teenagers are learning to fence, to speak with authority, and to interpret and express the multiple layers of meaning embedded in Shakespeare’s text. Their hard work culminates in a first year recital performance and a touring production presented by returning students each summer. Many of the participants return to Young Shakespeare Workshop year after year to perform in the summer production or to mentor younger players.

This summer’s Young Shakespeare Workshop production is the beloved romantic comedy, Twelfth Night. It continues through mid-August at various venues. Young Shakespeare Workshop’s sonnet marathon will take place on Saturday, August 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chapel Performance Space in the Good Shepherd Center in Wallingford, 4649 Wallingford Ave. N. The audience is invited to not only “sponsor” a sonnet for $30 but to step up and speak or read a sonnet aloud if they wish. The money will be used to support Young Shakespeare Workshop, which is entirely funded by grants and donations and charges no tuition. Young Shakespeare Workshop was created in 1992 by distinguished stage director Edward Payson Call, who wanted to encourage young people to develop a love of the English language by immersing them in the words of its greatest practitioner. Since 1998 it has been directed by Darren Lay, a professional actor, director and teacher [and West Seattle resident] whose scholarly research on Shakespeare has been published in the Times Literary Supplement (UK).

For several years, Young Shakespeare Workshop has been nationally recognized as a Coming Up Taller semifinalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities (www.pcah.gov/cut.htm). It has also received the Mayor’s Race & Social Justice Award twice from the city of Seattle for its aggressive outreach to Spanish-speaking youth.

Monday news release from the King County Council:

The Metropolitan King County Council today cut positions in its own staff and those in Executive-branch agencies, and froze hiring for non-essential County services, to help preserve most of the critical human services “lifeboat” programs in the 2009 King County budget. This budget amendment, sponsored by Councilmembers Bob Ferguson, Dow Constantine, and Larry Gossett, enables the County to fund $1.5 million in lifeboat programs without spending any of the reserves set aside to help close the anticipated shortfall in the 2010 budget.

“With sales tax collections in decline and the prospect of more hard times ahead, we must take immediate, decisive action to protect critical public services,” said Council Chair Dow Constantine, a co-sponsor of the plan. “Last year’s budget used the ‘lifeboat’ concept—granting only partial-year funding to some programs to encourage the state Legislature to approve new revenue sources. The Legislature didn’t provide any new funding, so this proposal shifts existing revenues to maintain key human services programs.”

“Preserving the safety net for our most vulnerable citizens is critical, as is fiscal responsibility during this budget crisis,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, also a co-sponsor of the plan. “By making cuts in various agencies, including the Council, we reprioritized our funding and met both goals.”

“We were able to work with our colleagues to create a solution that preserves the out-year reserves necessary to help with the county’s projected 2010 budget shortfall,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee and a co-sponsor of the plan. “This plan allows us to continue providing vital services to the neediest members of our community.”

In the 2009 budget, many health and human services programs were placed in a six-month “lifeboat” that – without new revenue sources – was set to be eliminated on June 30.
Earlier this summer, the Executive proposed using more than $2 million in out-year reserves, set aside to help close the 2010 budget shortfall, to fund many of these lifeboat programs. However, with no identified future funding source for these programs and a projected $50 million general fund budget shortfall for 2010, many Councilmembers expressed concern about the Executive’s proposal.
Councilmembers Constantine, Ferguson and Gossett today introduced an alternative that has two goals: 1) to fund the most critical elements of the human services safety net and 2) to maintain the reserves that will be needed to close next year’s budget gap. Their proposal, which was adopted by the Council, achieves these goals by making deep cuts throughout the general fund and reprioritizing these dollars for the human services safety net.

As part of the plan, the County Council will cut $875,000 from its 2009 budget allocation by not filling vacant positions and transferring unspent funds reserved for two council-initiated programs. Also filling the gap will be $110,000 in unspent funds from the Elections Office and Department of Assessments, and $900,000 in cuts to Executive branch agencies. The Council also prioritized funding for those lifeboat programs that provide direct services to vulnerable populations and reduced the lifeboat funding amount for all programs by approximately one-third.

The Council today also approved a hiring freeze proposed by Council Chair Constantine as an emergency measure. Savings from the hiring freeze through the end of 2009 help fund the remaining costs associated with the “lifeboat” so that no reserves earmarked to deal with next year’s budget gap will have to be spent.

The hiring freeze will not affect County employees whose jobs directly impact public health and safety, including Sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, health care providers, and employees of the courts and prosecutor’s office. It also allows the County Executive to approve new hires in specific cases where a department can show that keeping a position vacant would actually increase costs to the County.

From Ron Angeles, Delridge Neighborhoods District Services Coordinator for the city, announcing this Wednesday’s Delridge District Council meeting, to which you are invited:

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 Delridge 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.

It is also a regular monthly forum where residents, community leaders, neighborhood groups, and community agencies, can network, gather support, recruit volunteers and share what issues, projects, programs, and community building activities they are involved.

Next Delridge District Council meeting:

Wednesday
July 15th
7 pm
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SW

This month’s Guest Presentation:

The Seattle Green Bag Campaign, which is an educational campaign formed to
-Inform voters about Referendum 1 on our Aug 18th Seattle Ballot
-Encourage them to vote “yes” for Ref 1 and
-Encourage more public participation in bringing reusable bags to the grocery store.

The Green Bag Fee ordinance referred to in Ref 1 would require grocery and drug stores to charge consumers 20 cents for every disposable plastic or paper market bag they use, instead of embedding the cost of such disposables in the general cost of products, as has been the common practice. The purpose of this fee is to reduce waste created by making shoppers more aware of the cost of disposable bags. The ordinance was passed in July of 2008 by Seattle’s City Council, and was suppose to take effect Jan 1 2009. It has been postponed until a vote of Seattle citizens because of a paid signature gathering effort funded by the ACC (American Chemistry Council).

The poster says it all:

Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

From Alki Lodge 152‘s Rick Dusatko:

On July 22, at 11:30 am, at Alki Masonic Temple, 4736 40th Ave Southwest, we are inviting the community to come to a Disaster Preparedness presentation put on by the Red Cross.

I know it is at a difficult time for those who work, but if you can make it, it will give you many ideas for some simple things you can do around the house to prepare for an emergency. The program will last approximately an hour and a half, including a Q&A. Literature will be available. The program will be downstairs in the dining hall.

From King County Council Chair Dow Constantine‘s office:

Metropolitan King County Council Chair Dow Constantine today called for a County hiring freeze through the end of 2009, a step that could save an estimated $15 million, including approximately $1 million in general fund spending.

“We must cut spending immediately to offset costs for essential ‘lifeboat’ programs that were only granted partial-year funding in this year’s budget,” said Constantine. “Leaving positions vacant will provide funds to be used in next year’s budget, which has already been projected to have a shortfall of almost $50 million.”

Due to the public safety and public health nature of their positions, the proposed freeze would not affect the hiring of personnel in four key areas:

· The King County Sheriff’s Office,
· Corrections officers in county correctional facilities,
· Health care providers in county correctional facilities and county health centers,
· The King County Superior Court, King County District Court, or King County Prosecutor’s Office.

Although exempt from the proposed hiring freeze, the legislation encourages the responsible department heads or separately elected officials operating these agencies to consider suspending the hiring process for administrative positions not directly associated with the provision of public safety or public health services.

A provision is also included to allow hires by the County Executive in cases where the department can show that keeping a position vacant would actually increase costs to the county.

“The Council voted last December to ratify the Executive’s declaration of a budget emergency,” said Constantine. “With tax collections in decline and economic indicators showing more hard times ahead, we need to take immediate, decisive action to protect public services.”

Just received this announcement:

West Seattle Eagles lodge is sponsoring the 13th annual Make-A-Wish golf tournament:

August 29, 2009
(In memory of Craig Wilkerson)
This year’s event will be held at Jefferson Golf Course, at 4101 Beacon Ave. S.

Those of you who would like to help, may sponsor a golf hole, play golf, or donate prizes for raffles.

For more information, contact Mary Lou Wilkerson at West Seattle Eagles -206-938-4426

The official announcement from Twelfth Night Productions:

Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) is pleased to announce it’s next offering Meredith Willson’s ode to Americana, The Music Man. An affectionate tribute to small town USA of a bygone era, The Music Man follows a fast talking traveling sales man, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize. This despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

TNP is excited to partner with the All City Band for this cherished musical. Expect surprises, laughter, fun and an old fashioned good time this summer as Twelfth Night Productions presents The Music Man. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the All City Band.

TNP is a non-profit performing arts organization located at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. This production features several artists from the West Seattle community as well as the greater Seattle area.

The Music Man runs in a special limited engagement at the West Seattle High School, 3000 CALIFORNIA AV SW. Seattle, WA 98116. Show times are: August 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22 at 7:30PM, with matinees at 3 PM on August 9, 16 and 23. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students & seniors, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com), and at West Seattle High School two hours before each performance.

News release just received regarding a meeting tomorrow morning. (By the way, the Seattle City Council’s Parks Committee, chaired by West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, takes this up next Tuesday):

Regional waterways proposed for federal designation as National Maritime Heritage Area

Council to consider support for effort to celebrate working waterfronts and maritime history

An effort to have Congress designate the waterways of Lake Union and the shores of Puget Sound and Washington’s Pacific Coast as a National Maritime Heritage Area will come before the Metropolitan King County Council’s Committee of the Whole tomorrow for a briefing. The proposed designation would celebrate Washington’s working waterfronts and maritime history from its lighthouses and locks to its historic vessels and forts.

Wednesday, July 8
9:30 a.m.
Council Chambers
10th floor, King County Courthouse

The briefing on the proposed designation is not expected to begin before 10:15 a.m.

“Our region was built on our waterways,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, Chair of the Committee of the Whole. “Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean have shaped our history, our culture, and our economy in immeasurable ways. That impact should be recognized through this national designation.”

Ferguson introduced a motion this week, which if adopted by the Council, would strongly support the proposal to designate Washington’s coastline and Puget Sound a National Maritime Heritage Area. The proposed boundaries would include Washington’s saltwater coastline from Grays Harbor to the Canadian border, and extend through the Lake Washington Ship Canal to include Lake Union.

If granted, the National Maritime Heritage Area in Washington State would become the first such designation on the west coast, joining 49 other National Heritage Areas throughout the U.S. The federal designation would be an economic development tool, promoting tourism and supporting the region’s working waterfronts. It would also bolster the efforts of heritage organizations to preserve the area’s maritime history and protect this natural resource.

Unlike a National Park, the National Maritime Heritage Area would be managed by a non-profit organization. It would be governed by a steering committee comprised of local maritime stakeholders and with input from tribes, local governments, ports, and other agencies.

National Heritage Areas are not regulatory, and inclusion within a Heritage Area has no regulatory effect on land use or other property rights. Rather, it would provide a mechanism for local stakeholders to coordinate and share resources, develop a regional identity and brand to improve tourism, develop interpretive areas to enhance knowledge of the area, and provide grants for local heritage projects. Some limited federal funds may also be available to support activities in the area in the future.

The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is now conducting a feasibility study to determine whether there is sufficient local support to maintain a National Heritage Area. If so, the next step would be a review by the National Park Service.

The Committee of the Whole is the only standing committee on which all nine members serve. It considers legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire Council.

From Steve Sindiong, Morgan Community Association secretary, the official announcement of the group’s quarterly meeting next week (everyone invited):

Morgan Community Association Quarterly Meeting
Wednesday, July 15, 7pm at The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW

Major Agenda Items:
Orchard Street Ravine pedestrian safety project, Neighborhood Plan Update, Parks and open space interest, West Seattle Trails, Seattle Council candidate Dorsol Plants

Contact: Cindi Barker e-mail at: cbarker@qwest.net

Just announced by the Admiral Theater – its slate of upcoming events:

July 18th: Theatresports

Seattle Theatresports is Seattle’s longest running improve show, having turned 25 years old last year.

Theatresports is comedy, improv, theatre, and sports all rolled into one! Teams of improvisers create scenes based entirely on audience suggestions and are scored by a panel of judges or the audience themselves.

July 24th: Twisted Flick – The Phantom Planet

Picture the cheesiest B movie you can imagine. Now watch as the talented cast from Jet City Improv redubs that movie with funny new dialog and sound effects. All the suggestions from the audience help to make this show absolutely hilarious.

If you’ve ever enjoyed Mystery Theater 3000, YOU WILL LOVE THIS SHOW! Suitable for all ages.

July 25th: The Listening Room Series

ACOUSTIC MUSIC. SPOKEN WORD. LIVE PAINTING.

Three singer/songwriters, one poet, and four painters come together to create an interactive and art-filled evening at the Historic Admiral Theater.

Musicians: Gina Young, Ian Jones, Jackie Mitchell
Spoken word artist: Lucas Smiraldo
Artists: Glenn Case, Nicole Stremlow-Monahan, Michaela Eaves

July 31st: Troup de Ville

Troup de Ville is a unique musical presentation, three soloists playing together and separate, sharing the stage and interacting in a lighthearted way. The trio is comprised of Steve Thoreson with a voice more powerful than Pavarotti, the soulful voice, harmonica and guitar of Chicago native Eric Fridrich and award winning Segovia trained Italian guitarist Andre Feriante.

Together this combo is receiving rave reviews from audiences across the Northwest. Andre Feriante has been inviting musicians who share a common musical mentality to perform with him for years.

Tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets – just search for the individual event title or for Admiral Theater.

Just received from South Seattle Community College:

College offers free résumé and job search workshops
WorkSource partners with Seattle Public Library & Delridge Community Center.

South Seattle Community College’s WorkSource Center has been retained to conduct 70
job search and résumé workshops at the Seattle Public Library’s downtown Central
library between July 15, and December 15, 2009. The one-hour workshops are
conveniently scheduled on weekdays and Saturdays.

Said the college’s WorkSource Director of Career Services Duncan Burgess, “South
Seattle Community College’s WorkSource Affiliate is pleased to be partnering with
the Seattle Public Library WorkSource Connection site, under the leadership of the
King County Workforce Development Council. The classes cover all the basics, and
will provide job seekers with the critical job procurement skills they need.”

South’s WorkSource office has also partnered with the Delridge Community Center in
West Seattle to deliver résumé and online job search workshops.

For more information on Seattle Public Library site workshops, contact (206)
386-4636, or visit www.spl.org. Information on Delridge Community Center classes
may be obtained by calling (206) 684-7423. Access South’s WorkSource resources
online at http://worksource.southseattle.edu/, or call (206) 764-5304.

Workshop schedules are attached.

Just received from Carol Johnston at the Senior Center of West Seattle:

Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 am a “Simple Breakfast” demo with recipes and samples
will be presented by Jessica Finger, dietitian.

Tuesday, July 1, 21, 28 and August 4 – 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Easy Pilates by Vernesta,
full body instructor. 4 weeks for $20/$28 or $10 drop in. Register.

Tuesday, July 14, 21, 28 and August 4 – 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Donation $10 for weeks to learn a brief study of major events leading to the war
and major strategies of the North and South and some surprising facts. Taught by Al
Harper. Register.

Three series each $50 on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on July 15 , July 22,
July 30. Digital Photography-Creative Vision with instructor Joanne Murray. Learn
to get better pictures in different types of light, how to change he ISO and WB
settings, how to access the menus . Bring camera, manual, etc. Space limited.
Details – 206-932-6064 Register – 206-932-4044.

Tuesday, July 21 departing 9:00 a.m. a Free Metro Bus trip to Snoqualmie Falls with
Marie Marquart, Transit instructor. Bring lunch. Snack bar at viewpoint.
Register.

Wednesday, July 29 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. “Mix and mingle over Hawaiian appetizers”
at Merrill Gardens West Seattle – 4611 – 35th S.W.
Visit their spectacular Seattle view from their Rooftop, Aloha attire encouraged,
enjoy appetizers on their patio with music by The Ukes.
Donation $6 members/$8 non-members. Reservations – 206-932-4044.

Casino Trips to Tulalip on July 21 and August 11 ; Rochester on July 30 and August
27, Clearwater on August 13.
Cost $5-$10. More for non-members.
Extended Trips are planned for: 3 Rivers Casinos in Oregon August 25-27; 4 star
overnight at Suncadia Resort Sept. 9-10; Tropical Costa Rico Nov. 11-19; Branson at
Christmas Dec. 10-14 and Heart of Texas May 9-17, 2010.

Monday, August 3 – 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free Hike to Lord Hill Park Trails in
Snohomish County. Sign up early -206-684-4664

Thursday, August 6 – 9:30 am Registration for 4th annual end-of-summer funwalk up to
2.5 miles & fundraiser at Seward Park with entertainment and snacks. Register with
Mari – 206-684-4664.

Wednesdays, August 6 , and September 2 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Lauren Petrie plays
for a Dance time. Lauren Petrie, popular keyboard player and vocalist from the
closed Corner Inn, plays for dancing and listening. Suggested donation $5. The
following are sponsors of various evenings are Park West Care Center, Alan
Mendelssohn, Terry Ward and Mary Bac .

Monday, August 10 – 7:00 p.m. a “Sunset Patio Party” at Florabelle Key’s patio full
of colorful flowers with “Serenade” music, assorted desserts, snacks, punch and
beverages for a donation of $8. Reservations 206-932-4044

Rainbow Bingo with a “Tropical Paradise ” theme on Friday, August 21 starting 7:00
p.m. for donation of $15 in advance and $20 at door. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with
food, beverages, entertainment and viewing of decorated baskets that are prizes.
Celebrity caller Sylvia O’Stayformore will be assisted by the Sisters of Perpetual
Indulgence, and there will be an Auction, Split the Pot, and much more.
Reservations only with prepayment of cash or credit card.

Mondays, July 27 and August 24 at 5:30 p.m. Strawberry Waffles and Sausage Dinner
for only $6 and Big Band music Reservations.

Mondays, 1:00 to 3:00 pm Poker for fun has been started with variety of games and
easy rules. Call for details
Tuesdays, July 14 and August 11 starting at 10:00 a.m. Appointments needed for
Senior Rights Assistance with Medicare questions.
Fridays, July 24 and August 28 from 9:00 am to 12 noon Dental Access Program for
Seniors 60 and over. Free Education presentations, evaluation of teeth and gums and
dental hygiene , personal oral hygiene and cancer screenings. Complete a packet to
receive affordable routine * therapeutic dental cleanings by licensed dental
hygienists and fluoride applications. Call for an appointment.
Mondays at 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. The Ukes play ukulele music to singalong songs joined
by various instruments. Ukulele players, singers and musicians are invited to this
Open music session. Dancers are invited too. SUPA (Seattle Ukulele Players Assoc.)
will meet from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. on SUNDAY, July 13 at Northwest Senior Center and
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 at Woodland Park Stove # 6 .
Computer classes on Basic Computer classes are offered at nominal fee. Call for
dates, times and costs. Every Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. is a Free Open Lab with
computer helpers.

July 27, 29, 31 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Microsof Wordpad a Beginner’s Word
Processing. Learn to fomat text, set up margins, copy, save, using Wordpad XP.
Register for cost.
Mondays starting at 9:00 a.m. Foot Care for $22. Appointments needed.
Monday, Wednesday, Fridays at 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., Enhance Fitness Exercise classes
of aerobics, balance, stretching, and using wrist and ankle wrights are offered to
those with a filled out form from their doctor.
Mondays, at 9:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. ongoing, Pinochle, no partner
needed, cost $1 member / $2 non-member. Poker for fun is also played at 1:00 p.m.
Tuesdays at 11:45 a.m. – Blood Pressure Readings by Dr. Catherine Orsi, ND, LMP
Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Food Outlet for residents in zip areas of 98116, 98126
and 98136
Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Hardanger (Scandinavian embroidery)
Tuesdays (second and fourth) at 7:00 p.m. Quilting group meets and has 3 day
Quilting Retreats four times a year.
Eight hour workshops over two days for Defensive Diving with Trained volunteers from
AARP. Cost: $14, payable to AARP. Register for Thursday, July 16 – 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m.and Friday, July 17 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; or Thursday, August 13 from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. and Friday, August 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday July 21 FROM 1:00 TO 5:00 P.M. or Saturday , August 15 from 9:00 A.M. TO
1:00 P.M.,
A CPR & First Aid Trainings-An Ounce of Prevention. Cost is $50/$55. Register
Scott 206-734-7484

Call for Free 20 minute Legal Consultation. Several dates available.

Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ongoing Tai Chi; cost $10 walk in or monthly fee.
Tuesday appointments start at 11:00 a.m. Chair Massage for $7 non-member/$5 member
Wednesday mornings Meals on Wheels are delivered to homebound seniors. To order food
or to volunteer call 206-448-5767 .

Call D’Vorah Kost at 206-268-6704 if interested in a Social Work services, Low
Vision, Diabetes or Hearing support Group, Breathe Well, Living Well with Chronic
Condition, Easy Yoga, and Loss and Grief suuport groups.

Thursdays, ongoing 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Line Dancing classes with Alice Crawford for
$3 or $2 members.

Fridays, ongoing, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Bingo played by 18 years and older for
$$’s; only $6 plus additional games.

Fridays at 1:00 p.m. – Free Movies . Call for titles.

Call for days and times Wii games are available to play. Center has Sports games
i.e. bowling, baseball, boxing, tennis and golf.

Senior Center West Seattle promotes Generation BIG with Big Brothers and Big Sisters
of Puget Sound. Seeking people who can spend time having fun with a child at
Highland Park Elementary School. Call 206-763-9060

That’s Dr. Susan Enfield, just announced as Seattle Public Schools‘ new chief academic officer, succeeding Carla Santorno (a West Seattle resident), who is taking a job with another district. Here’s the official announcement from the district:

– Following an extensive national search that included interviews by teams comprised of staff, community and labor association representatives, Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D., announced the selection of Dr. Susan Enfield as the new Chief Academic Officer for Seattle Public Schools. Dr. Enfield’s appointment is effective July 6, 2009.

Most recently Dr. Enfield served as Deputy Superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, a district of more than 26,000 students based in Vancouver, Washington, where she was instrumental in providing key systemic leadership in the design and implementation of K-12 curriculum and instruction for the school district.

“I am delighted to attract a leader of Dr. Enfield’s caliber and experience to lead learning and teaching at Seattle Public Schools,” said Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson. “This appointment furthers our focus on strengthening leadership district-wide by attracting outstanding leaders. Dr. Enfield’s proven successes demonstrate that she has the skill, passion and commitment to continue implementation of Excellence for All and to help ensure excellence for every student in every school.”

Dr. Enfield has extensive experience in curriculum and instruction. During her tenure at Evergreen Public Schools (2006 – 2009), she initiated the development of a five-year plan for math curriculum implementation and support; nearly doubled the number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes; and established a Cultural Proficiency Work team to address the needs of the district’s increasingly diverse student population. Dr. Enfield also worked with a team of district staff to develop an early intervention system aimed at reducing the number of students referred to special education and hired bilingual/family liaisons to improve district outreach to key communities.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be joining Seattle Public Schools,” said Dr. Enfield. “I look forward to working with teachers, principals, staff and administrators to ensure that our students and their families are engaged and supported each and every day. This is a community that uniquely supports its children and its schools, and I am confident that working together we will reach the ambitious but achievable goals that are the foundation for Excellence for All.”

Dr. Enfield began her educational career in 1993 as a high school teacher in the Fremont Union High School District in Cupertino, California. Prior to joining Evergreen Public Schools in Vancouver, WA, she served as Director of Teaching and Learning at Portland Public Schools where Dr. Enfield functioned as the district’s Chief Academic Officer and increased the number of students meeting or exceeding state standards in 2004-05 and 2005-06 with students scoring higher on state assessments at every grade level. She also was the Director of the Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support from August 2003-October 2004 and Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education from January 2003-August 2003 for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Dr. Enfield earned her Ed.D. from Harvard University’s prestigious Urban Superintendents Program as well as an M.Ed. with a concentration in Administration, Planning and Social Policy. She has a Masters in Education from Stanford University and Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from U.C. Berkeley.

The official Parks Board meeting announcement from the city Parks Department – always worth noting since West Seattle is such a hotspot of park properties:

SEATTLE PARK BOARD TO HOLD REGULAR MEETING ON JULY 9

The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next regularly
scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9 in the Park Board Room at
the Parks Administration Building, 100 Dexter Ave. N (the corner of
Dexter and Denny).

The agenda includes:

· A Board briefing by members of Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted
Parks.Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks (FSOP) is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving Seattle’s unique Olmsted landscape
heritage and raising awareness of the Olmsted philosophy of providing
open space for all people. Brooks Kolb, FSOP President, and Anne Knight
and Jerry Arbes, both of the FSOP Advisory Board, will present the
briefing. For more information about FSOP and Seattle’s Olmsted legacy,
please see http://www.seattle.gov/FriendsOfOlmstedParks and
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkspaces/olmsted.htm.

· A Board briefing on park classification designations.The
proposed Seattle Parks classification system presents a method for
grouping parks and facilities in Seattle’s parks and open space system
based on similar characteristics, including physical characteristics,
built environment, natural environment and programming. The briefing is
intended to provide an overview of the proposed system. A briefing paper
on the proposed classification system is located at
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/default.asp.

· Park Operating Hours – Board discussion and recommendation.As
established by City Council ordinance, most Seattle parks are open from
4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; however, the Parks Superintendent has the
authority to make exceptions. Many exceptions have been made over the
years in response to problems in some parks that include noise,
graffiti, and alcohol and drug use. As a result, Parks has a variety of
park operating hours. The Board, which heard a briefing on the issue on
February 26, 2009 and held a public hearing on May 14, 2009, will
continue the discussion it started at the June 25 meeting, and make a
recommendation on how best to create consistency in park operating hours
and to address actual and perceived neighborhood safety issues. A
briefing paper on park operating hours is at
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/default.asp.

· Use of Synthetic Turf Policy – Board discussion and
recommendation.The Board will continue the discussion it started at the
June 25 meeting, and make a recommendation to the Superintendent on a
proposed policy on the safe use of synthetic turf at Seattle Parks and
Recreation ballfields. The Board had a staff briefing on April 23, 2009,
and a public hearing on May 28, 2009. A briefing paper and the proposed
Use of Synthetic Turf Policy are available for review at
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/default.asp.

The Board of Park Commissioners is a seven-member citizen board created
by the City Charter. Three members are appointed by the Mayor and
confirmed by the City Council; three members are appointed by the City
Council; and one member is appointed by the Park Board. The Board meets
the second and fourth Thursday of each month to advise the Parks and
Recreation Superintendent, the Mayor, and the City Council on parks and
recreation matters. For more information, please contact Sandy Brooks at
206-684-5066 or sandy.brooks@seattle.gov

Just received this announcement from West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah synagogue:

Kol HaNeshamah, a progressive synagogue community in West Seattle, is pleased to announce that Rabbi Anson Laytner has assumed the position of Interim Rabbi. Rabbi Laytner will lead his first service in his new role on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 7 pm at 6115 SW Hinds Street in West Seattle.

Rabbi Laytner will serve as Interim Rabbi while Kol HaNeshamah seeks to fill the permanent position recently vacated by Rabbi Michael Adam Latz. Rabbi Latz, who moved back to his hometown of Minneapolis to be near his family and to lead a synagogue there, is the founding Rabbi of Kol HaNeshamah. The synagogue was founded six years ago, bringing to life his vision of bringing a progressive synagogue to West Seattle whose values center on community and inclusiveness.

The role of Interim Rabbi is different from that of a permanent Rabbi. The role of the Interim is to support a congregation to keep a steady course–to advise and quietly guide during the transition between two permanent Rabbis. “We are thrilled that Rabbi Laytner is willing to guide us during this transitional year”, says Board President Eric Orlin.

Rabbi Laytner brings to Kol HaNeshamah an exceptional depth of wisdom as a scholar, a theologian and an experienced professional. He founded the Interfaith Council of Washington State in 1988. He directed the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle for a decade and served as the Executive Director of Multifaith Works for 12 years. Most recently, he directed the Seattle Chapter of the American Jewish Committee. He is an adjunct professor at Seattle University in the School of Theology and Ministry.

Kol HaNeshamah, founded in 2003, is a progressive synagogue rejoicing in Torah, Avodah (Worship/Prayer), Tzedek and Tikkun Olam (Justice and Healing) but specializing in K’hillah (Community). We attract members from all around Seattle who believe a synagogue is a place to experience the joys of Judaism. We deeply believe in inclusiveness. For more information, please go to www.kol-haneshamah.org

Just received from Dow Constantine‘s campaign:

Rivals Jarrett and Constantine Jointly Call for Greater Openness and Transparency in King County Executive’s Race;

Phillips and Hutchison continue to refuse to make public candidate questionnaires

Today, two of the major candidates for the office of King County Executive, King County Council Chair Dow Constantine and State Sen. Fred Jarrett, issued an unusual joint statement pointing out that they are the only two candidates to have been fully open and transparent in making public the detailed candidate questionnaires they have submitted to a wide range of constituency groups and organizations.

State Rep. Ross Hunter has posted some, but not all, of his questionnaires on his web site. King County Councilmember Larry Phillips and former television anchor Susan Hutchison have refused to make any of these important documents available to the public.

In response to this noteworthy lack of transparency, Jarrett today said: “The selection of the next King County Executive is one of the most important decisions that voters will face this year, and will have a major impact on the future of this region. One of the significant challenges the next Executive will face is changing the county culture to one of openness and transparency. If candidates are not willing to be open and transparent with the voters now their willingness to meet that challenge is doubtful. That is why it is so important that all of the King County Executive candidates give voters a clear and detailed understanding on where they stand on a wide range of issues, and why I issued my challenge to all candidates to post their completed questionnaires. Unfortunately, Dow Constantine and I are the only candidates to have done so.”

Dow Constantine added, “As rivals for the office, we disagree on issues. But on the need for full openness and transparency Fred and I are in agreement. That is why we have both posted all of our candidate questionnaires on our respective web sites. The other major candidates owe it to the voters to make public the full range questionnaires that they have privately submitted to the various interest groups with a stake in the outcome of the race.

“The voters have a right to make an informed choice about the next King County Executive. How can they expect to believe the promises of change and reform coming from some of the major candidates when those same candidates continue to hide their views on major issues from the light of public scrutiny?”

From Camp Long, its July program announcement:

Yoga in Nature

Sarah teaches with enthusiasm for personal growth and expression. She has studied Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga styles and from these roots, creates a unique blend of her own. She lives for her time outdoors; whether climbing, skiing, cycling, practicing yoga, or just being; she feels communion with nature is essential to contentment. “It is a very special opportunity to teach in such a beautiful setting as Camp Long. It is like escaping from the city, and treating yourself with the gift of mindfulness.” Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 8 Wed 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Course #46363 Activity Fee $12

July 15 Wed 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Course #46364 Activity Fee $12

Water Calling: Mater Matrix Mother and Medium FREE
Artist Mandy Greer is creating a temporary artwork this summer at Camp Long in West Seattle. Titled Mater Matrix Mother and Medium celebrates the splendor of Seattle’s urban creeks and encourages stewardship of essential watersheds. This artwork commissioned with Seattle Public Utilities 1% for Art Funds administered by the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs in partnership with Restoring our Waters.

Meet the artist and witness the creation of the artwork. Greer will be installing her artwork near the Polliwog Pond.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, June 15-July 9 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Watch performance at Polliwog Pond July 16 at 6:30 p.m.
The project includes a performance produced by Greer in collaboration with choreographer and dancer Zoe Scofield.

View the art by Polliwog Pond June 15 thru July 31
Camp Long is open Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
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/

Camp Long Owls
Ages 5 and older
Will the juvenile Barred Owls be begging for food by hissing? Or will they be missing? Join us for some Barred Owl nightlife! Bring a flashlight. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 18 Sat 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Course #43268 Activity Fee $7

Family Butterfly and Bug Hunt
Ages 3 and older
Use butterfly nets to gently catch a variety of insects, then use magnifiers and bug boxes to look at them up close. Smaller students and scientists alike will learn from and enjoy this program. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
July 18 Sat 1 – 3 p.m.
Course #43276 Activity Fee $7

Shakespeare in the Park
Camp Long hosts Shakespeare this summer. FREE
The Life and Death of King John. This historical piece dramatizes the reign of King John of England (ruled 1199-1216). He is the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the father of Henry III. The play opens with a plea from the French King Phillip for King John to abdicate in favor of his nephew and includes dizzying changes of alliances, a Papal excommunication and a subsequent reconciliation. In the end… well, I don’t want to ruin it for you.
Camp Long July 24 Fri 7 p.m.

The Comedy of Errors. This is light, frothy entertainment, driven by coincidence and slapstick
humor all in a single day. The story centers around two sets of identical twins accidentally separated at birth. When Antipholus and his servant, Dromio, of Syracuse travel to Ephesus, they do not know about Antipholus and his servant Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusan twins encounter the friends and families of the Ephesus twins, there is a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities.
Camp Long July 25 Sat 7 p.m.

Beavers
All ages
Baffled by beavers? Come and learn about the dynamic life of these master builders and the very important ecological role they play. Join us in exploring the life, lodges, behaviors and physical adaptations of these industrious, fascinating and busy mammals. Also learn how we can live together with beavers in our backyards! Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.
Instructor: Sue Johnson
Location: Trailhead at 25th Ave SW and Brandon St.
July 25 Sat 1 – 3 p.m.
Course #43261 Activity Fee $7

Herbal Salve Making
Ages 12 and older
Jayne Simmons, farmer and owner of Sister Sage Herbs and Good Food Gardens, will teach this introductory herb class. Learn to identify the healing plants that are growing near your doorstep. See them prepared into a healing salve for cuts and burns. We will discuss the entire process of making the salve, from choosing the right plants for your situation, harvesting, drying, storage, and infusing herbs in oil. You’ll leave with a small container of salve and recipes for lip balm and other salves. We may have time to walk about and find some of the plants we discuss. Register by calling 684-7434
July 25 Sat 10 a.m. – Noon
Course #43296 Activity Fee $18

First Saturday Free Walks
Please register by calling 206-684-7434.

Longfellow Creek Yancy Street FREE
Dragonfly Pavilion
This is by far the coolest art you will ever find on a trail, unless you’re trekking the Southwest where petro glyphs are as common as cacti. Explore the north reaches of Longfellow Creek and Puget Park, both natural areas in the Delridge neighborhood. Find out about this great wildlife corridor. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.

Location: SW Dakota and 28th Ave. SW – just south of Allstar Fitness
July 11 Sat 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Course #43277

Pritchard Beach FREE
This wonderful piece of property would never have undergone the most dramatic facelift had it not been for a small group of committed citizens who saw the potential of returning the property to its “natural” state. Bring you binoculars – there’s great birding at Pritchard! Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434
Location: Pritchard Beach – 8400 55th Ave S
July 11 Sat 2 – 5 p.m
Course #43285

Mee-Kwa-Mooks Beach Safari FREE
Ages 3 and older
Rejuvenate at the end of your week and enjoy some of the best low tides of the year. Find amazing marine animals and intertidal plant life, and discover the fascinating interrelationships within the tidal zone! Dress for possible windy weather and wear shoes that can get wet and handle slippery surfaces. Register no later than one day prior to class by calling 684-7434.

Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
July 18 Sat 9 – 11 a.m.
Course #43301

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

Flower Fun!
Please register by July 4
July 7 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Course #43308

Beach Fun!
Please register by July 18
Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park
July 21 Tue 10 – 11 a.m.
Course #43309

Camp Long is at 5200 35th SW (map).

Here’s the official announcement from Twilight in The Junction:

WHAT: We proudly present “The Good, The Bad, and THE UGLY”, a three-gallery group show.
-OPENING PARTY: July 9th, 6 – 9 PM during the West Seattle Art Walk.
-CLOSES: August 7th, 2009
-WHERE: Twilight Artist Collective, in the Junction: 4306 SW Alaska St.

ABOUT “THE UGLY”:
FEATURING the artworks of Bird, Clare Bowers, CASH, Brian White, Robroy Chalmers, Larry Cyr, Pamela Davis, Billy Dyson, Jon & Tracy Haaland, Brad Strain, Michelle Smith-Lewis, Rick Simpson, Joey McChan, Mark Walker, and Vern White!

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY is a collaboration between 3 Seattle art galleries, showing over 35 artists in a combined show during the month of July. Go to all three shows for a chance to WIN A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART in a raffle! The winner will be announced at the end of the show(s). There will be raffle cards at each location – you need to get a stamp from all 3 to qualify for the drawing. GET OUT AND SEE LOCAL ART!!

“THE UGLY” portion of this show will be featured at Twilight Artist Collective. “THE GOOD” can be viewed at Halogen (2316 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121), and “THE BAD” at Bherd Studios (8537 Greenwood Ave. N, Suite 1, Studio D, Seattle, WA 98103).

Like the artwork featured on the flyer? Visit all three galleries to be eligible to win these works in a raffle!

Just announced by ArtsWest in The Junction:

ArtsWest’s Online Auction

The Auction Ends: SUNDAY, JUNE 28 at 11:59pm

Where: http://www.artswest.org/?q=onlineauction

Or http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/kayleej206_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

Seattle, WA: For supporters who missed ArtsWest’s fabulous TEN PARTY or were there but want the chance to do more, ArtsWest announces our first ever Online Auction!

40 Fantastic Items are available to bid on until Sunday, June 28 at 11:59pm.

SPOTLIGHT ITEMS include

~ Retro Electric Scooter by E-Moto ~

~ Guided Bike Tour with Picnic Lunch ~

~ Eight Hours with a Contractor ~

Visit Ebay to bid on these and other great items and experiences and support ArtsWest!

Gala Sponsor: Union Bank of California

Thank you to corporate table sponsors & community leaders:
Catherine Irby-Arnold & Schuyler Arnold, Harbor Properties, King & Oliason, Eugene Wong – Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson PLLC, Once Foundation, Phyllis & Jeffrey Nomura, Judy Pigott – Personal Safety Nets™, Carey & Steve Richardson, Debra Smiley , Dr. Catherine Sparks – Sparks Chiropractic Health Center, Judy Burbrink – Villa Heidelberg

Special thanks to patron table sponsors:
Jim Guenther & Sandy Adams, Dawn Leverett & Reis Pearson, Kathleen & Slater Marshall, Tonya Strozier, Sheila Weaver & Gordon Wiehler, Tim & Nancy Woodland

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