From Lakema Bell at Hiawatha Community Center, word of registration under way now:

Register now for Girls Volleyball at Hiawatha Community Center!

Volleyball is available to athletes ages 10-17 in three different divisions. Players learn basic skills, team work, and sportsmanship skills needed to participate in league play. Practices will begin in September and conclude in mid to late November. For more information please center at (206) 684-7441.

Register for Fall Classes at Hiawatha Community Center!
Adults
Zumba Aerobics (New)
Hip Hop Fit (New)
Yoga
Middle Eastern (Belly Dance)
Tae Kwon Do
Teens
Pumpkin Carve
Costume Contest
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt
Bowling
Youth
World Drumming (New)
High School Musical (New)
Drumming Methods (New)
Junior Brazilian Jam
Instrumental Music Tutoring (New)
Pre-Ballet 1
Preschool
Tiny Tappers
Messy Manifestations
Creative Movement/Pre-ballet
Kicking Kids
UK Petite Soccer
Kidz Love Soccer Ages 2-12
Family Special Events
6-8pm
Family Play Day 9/25 Free
Halloween Carnival 10/30 Free
Science Night 11/20 $5
Holiday Giving Feast 12/18 $8

To register or for more information, contact the center @ 206-684-7441.

From Carol Johnston at the Senior Center of West Seattle:

FREE lunch for Falls Prevention Event
(co-sponsored by Park West Care Center)
on Tuesday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
* 11am-1 pm Doc Talks on meds, podiatrist, etc.
* Park West Physical and Occupational Therapists
* Balance & Foot Care Assessments

Easy Pilates – call for dates and costs.

Three series each $30 (a Special FALL offer) on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
on Sept 2, 9, and 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.

Wednesday, September 9 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. “Rooftop Roundup” at Merrill Gardens
West Seattle – 4611 – 35th S.W. 4:30 p.m. Arrive at the Rooftop and Get your photo
taken with the Seattle skyline backdrop Mix and mingle with assorted beverages
5:00-6:00 p.m. Honky tonk Music by Joe and Lou (guitar/fiddle) for listening and
dancing while enjoying appetizers by Chef Lisa Yates.
6:00 pm Free Shuttle service for those who park at West Seattle Golf Course parking
lot.
Donation $6 members/$8 non-members. Paid reservations – 206-932-4044. Proceeds
benefit the Air Conditioning Fund for the Senior Center West Seattle

Wednesdays, and September 2 and October 7 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 Terry Ward and Mary Back and the West
Seattle Line Dancers.

Rainbow Bingo with a “Fall Sports” theme on Friday, September 25 and a “Halloween”
theme on Friday, October 23 starting at 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.
Sponsors are: Merrill Gardens, Dignity Memorial. Park West Care Center, Helene
Robertson of CFP Social Responsible Investments, Dawn Leverett of Windermere

Mondays, September 28 and October 26 starting at 5:30 p.m Strawberry Waffles and
Sausage Dinner for only $6 and Big Band music Reservations requested.

FREE “Harvest Festival” on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Crafts,
flu shots for $30, Bake Sale, and other vendors. Contact Carol at 206-932-4044 ext.
3 for vendor tables.

Call D’Vorah Kost, Social Workers at 206-268-6704 for following services: Vision
Loss, Diabetes, Caregivers, Hearing support Group, Breathe Well, Matter of Balance,
Living Well with Chronic Condition, Easy Yoga, Transitions and counseling.

Alki Duplicate Bridge Club meet on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For info
call Nick 425-387-2610 aor Mark 206-328-3408.

Call 206-932-4044 for dates for day and Casino trips to Tulalip Rochester,
Clearwater, Emerald Queen, etc

Extended Trips are planned for: 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.
Hikes to Chehalis Western Trail on Monday September 14 from 9:00 am to 2:30 p.m.;
and Rattlesnake Ridge on Monday, October 5 from 9:00 a..m. to 2:30 p.m. Register
with Mari at 206-684-4664
Pinochle with no partner needed played on Mondays, 9:30 am to 12:00 noon; and
Thursdays from12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Donations.

Bridge with no partners needed on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Donations

Mondays, 1:00 to 3:00 pm Poker for fun has been started with variety of games and
easy rules. Call for details
Tuesdays, September 9 and October 13 starting at 10:00 a.m. Appointments needed for
Senior Rights Assistance with Medicare questions.
Fridays, September 25 and October 23 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, September 13 at Northwest Senior Center
and SUNDAY, October 4 at Senior Center West Seattle Hatten Hall.
Computer classes on Basics and other 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.

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 available classes.
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.
Call for dates and costs for Chair Massage
Wednesday mornings Meals on Wheels are delivered to homebound seniors. To order food
or to volunteer call 206-448-5767 .

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 peope who can spend time having fun with a child at
Highland Park Elementary School. Call 206-763-9060

Received from People for Puget Sound:

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to work at nine
restoration sites along Seattle¹s Duwamish River at the semi-annual Duwamish
Alive! work day set for Saturday October 17.

³This is the last big volunteer outdoor event of the year and a great chance
for families to get out and pitch in to make our community and our hometown
river a better, healthier place,² said Dhira Brown, People For Puget Sound
Restoration Ecologist and event coordinator.

Over a thousand volunteers worked at 12 sites at the Duwamish Alive! Earth
Day in April weeding, mulching, planting and cleaning up. Volunteers are
provided tools, gloves, instructions, and refreshment. Work on October 17
begins at 10 AM and ends at 2 PM.

October work sites include: Herrings House Park, West Seattle Greenbelt,
Brandon Street Restoration Area, Gateway Park North, Roxhill Park, Hamm
Creek Estuary, Duwamish Riverbend Hill, and Codiga Farm. A cleanup work crew
using kayaks will also be organized.

For complete program information and instructions on how to sign up for work
crews, go to www.duwamishalive.org.

The Duwamish Alive! Coalition includes the following organizations:

Alki Kayak Tours | Cascade Land Conservancy | CleanScapes | City of Seattle
| City of Tukwila | Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition | EarthCorps | Edwards
Mother Earth Foundation | Elliott Bay Restoration Panel | Environmental
Coalition of South Seattle | EOS Alliance | U. S. Environmental Protection
Agency | Friends of Duwamish Riverbend Hill | Green/Duwamish and Central
Puget Sound Watershed Forum of Local Governments | Green Seattle
Partnership | Georgetown Community Council | IM-A-PAL Foundation | King
County | King Conservation District | Longfellow Creek Watershed Council |
Nature Consortium | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | People
For Puget Sound | Port of Seattle | REI | Restore America¹s Estuaries |
Seattle Parks and Recreation | Veterans Conservation Corps | Washington
State Department of Ecology.

A reminder from the Seattle City Council:

The Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee will hold a special meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m. at Blanche Lavisso Park located at East Yesler Way and 22nd Avenue South.

It will discuss proposed changes to the mid- and high-rise sections of the multifamily code. The updates are designed to provide more affordable housing and open space, along with greater flexibility in building design.

The meeting is open for public comment following a committee briefing and discussion. The public is encouraged to arrive early as free ice cream* will be served starting at 5 p.m.

Who: Seattle City Council’s Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee

What: Special meeting to discuss proposed mid- and high-rise building codes

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 – ice cream served at 5 p.m., meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Blanche Lavizzo Park, E. Yesler Way and 22nd Avenue South, Central Area

*Ice cream purchased with Sally Clark’s personal fund.

From the state:

Proposed ferry fare adjustments are the focus of a series of public input meetings being held by the Washington State Transportation Commission. The Commission approved a new fare proposal at its July meeting and will hold public input meetings in late August and early September. Comments received will be considered prior to final adoption of the existing or a modified fare proposal, which would go into effect October 11, 2009. The entire fare proposal can be found on the Commission’s Web site at www.wstc.wa.gov.

The proposal includes these elements:

· Applying a 2.5 percent across-the-board general fare increase.

· Making the in-need organization discount permanent (now a pilot program).

· Allowing WSF to collect between 25 to 100 percent of the applicable fare as a non-refundable deposit for advance vehicle reservations on routes with a reservation system. This would be a pre-payment of a portion of or the entire fare and is not an additional fee.

· Eliminating the tollbooth surcharge for multi-ride fare purchases (which had not been implemented).

· Moving toward further implementation of tariff equity affecting San Juan inter-island fares by adding 5 percent on top of the 2.5 percent general increase.

· Allowing WSF flexibility to enter into agreements with fire districts for free passage when on emergency calls in lieu of payment for fire protection services at ferry terminals.

· Applying a 10 percent “peak summer surcharge” to only single-fare purchases (not applicable to multi-ride/frequent-user fares). The peak summer surcharge would be in effect between the end of June and the day after Labor Day.

Dates, times and locations of the public input meetings are as follows:

· Monday, August 31: San Juan Islands, on board the Sealth (interisland ferry), departs Friday Harbor at 11:35 a.m., Orcas at 12:30 p.m., Shaw at 12:45 p.m., Lopez at 1:05 p.m., and returns to Friday Harbor at 1:55 p.m.

· Tuesday, September 1: Silverdale, 6 – 8 p.m., Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Road , Silverdale.

· Wednesday, September 2: Vashon Island , 6 – 8 p.m., McMurray Middle School, Multipurpose room, 9329 Cemetery Road, Vashon.

In addition, a formal public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Seattle at the Puget Sound Regional Council, 1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500 .

The Commission will take no action during the public input meetings. Commissioners are however, expected to vote to either adopt or modify the fare proposal following additional input at the public hearing in Seattle . People who would like to comment, but cannot attend the public input meetings or the hearing in Seattle, can submit their comments to the Commission via letter, e-mail or telephone, no later than 5 p.m., Friday, September 4, 2009. Contact the Commission at:

WSTC

PO Box 47308

Olympia, WA 98504-7308

E-mail: transc@wsdot.wa.gov

Telephone: 360-705-7070

Not in West Seattle, but potentially of interest, so we’re sharing this announcement:

Jobseekers can get ahead of the competition this fall by brushing up their interview and presentation skills with Improv(e) Your Business Skills, a brand-new class from Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio. Taught by two of Taproot Theatre’s skilled improv actors, this class will encourage the students to think quickly and respond on the spot, while expert coaching will help them take control of expressions, mannerisms and other forms of body language. Improv(e) Your Business Skills takes place at Taproot Theatre on Mondays from September 21 through October 26 from 7-9 p.m.

Fall quarter at Taproot Theatre’s Acting Studio also includes a variety of other classes for children and adults of all ages and experience levels. Fall quarter runs September 21 through December 8. Registration is open now. Classes are held at Taproot Theatre (204 N 85th St.) and Grace Fellowship Church (410 NW 62nd St.) in Seattle. Registration forms and class descriptions are available online at www.taproottheatre.org, or contact Taproot’s Acting Studio at (206) 529-3668 or studio@taproottheatre.org.

From the Archdiocese’s events page:

Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus Blessing

September 9, 2009
Seattle, Washington

Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of Seattle will bless Santa Teresita del Nino Jesus, 25 units of housing for formerly homeless families, at 2 p.m. The housing, located at 2429 S.W. Holden St. in West Seattle, is a program of the Archdiocesan Housing Authority.

For more information call 206-328-5786.

Here’s a map to that location.

News release we received this afternoon:

The city of Seattle has proposed to the Coalition of City Unions a 10-day
furlough program aimed at reducing the number of layoffs required in 2010. If
approved by union membership, the city would extend the same program to
non-represented city employees.

“Over the past several months, we have worked together with our unions and I
appreciate their cooperation in these difficult budget times,” said Mayor Greg
Nickels.

Under the proposal, approximately 6,700 workers, including coalition union members
whose bargaining units ratify the agreement and non-represented employees, would
take 10 furlough days spread across the year. Uniformed police and fire personnel,
and employees represented by IBEW 77 are not part of this furlough proposal at this
time.

The city has seen a continued drop in sales tax and business and occupation tax
revenues, and a revised revenue forecast used for planning the 2010 budget will be
available by the end of the month. The furlough plan would help preserve services
for city residents by reducing the number of city employees who would be laid off in
2010 due to the recession. This plan would save approximately $8 million from the
general fund and a total of up to $20 million from the entire city budget.

The proposal is being discussed with the 20 unions that make up the coalition. Under
the plan, furlough schedules would be assigned so that most city services would
remain open to the public. Some exceptions to the furloughs would be allowed, such
as for employees whose departments have minimum staffing and operational
requirements, and for employees earning less than $18 an hour.

In May, the mayor made $13.3 million in mid-year cuts from the general fund budget
while preserving funding for public safety and direct human services. To reduce the
number of layoffs in 2009, full-time employees at the Seattle Public Utilities call
center went to a 38-hour-a-week schedule, and employees at Seattle Public Libraries
will take a one-week furlough this month. In 2009, the mayor also implemented
furloughs for professional staff in several departments and rolled back salaries for
100 senior managers to 2008 levels. In 2010, those salaries will remain at 2008
levels.

Just announced by the Parks Department:

On Saturday, Aug. 8, Seattle Parks and Recreation will host Summer Splashtacular featuring free swimming, free activities, fun and games at select pools and beaches. The program is intended to highlight drowning prevention and safe swimming practices.

Free public swimming, 1:30 – 3 p.m.
· Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave. S
· Meadowbrook Pool, 10515 35th Ave. NE
There will be fun water activities for kids and families, including lifejacket relays.

Free diving instruction, 2 – 5 p.m.
· Madison Beach, E Madison Street and E Howe
Enhance your swimming skills with free diving instruction.

Oodles of Noodles, 12 noon – 6 p.m.
· Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd.
· Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. NE
· Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Ave. S
· West Green Lake Beach, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
Kids can enjoy water play in shallow water with lifeguards present while playing with oodles of noodles. A noodle is a brightly colored floatation aid that kids find irresistibly fun for playing. Come by and try swimming with a lifejacket.

Wading pool toys and activities, 1 – 4 p.m.
There will be toys and activities at 14 wading pools, including:
· Bitter Lake Playfield, 13035 Linden Ave. N
· Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
· Dahl Playfield, 7700 25th Ave. NE
· Delridge Community Center and Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
· E.C. Hughes Playground, 2805 SW Holden St.
· East Queen Anne Playground, 1912 Warren Ave. N
· Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N
· Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
· Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
· South Park Community Center and Playground, 738 S Sullivan St.
· Van Asselt Community Center and Playground, 7200 Beacon Ave. S
· View Ridge Playfield, 4408 NE 70th St.
· Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E
· Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave. N

Summer Splashtacular is co-sponsored by Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington State Drowning Prevention Network, Associated Recreation Council and seattlepools.org. For more information about Summer Splashtacular, visit http://seattle.gov/parks/pools.asp.

Here’s the official announcement of the meeting, now eight days away:

The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at 100 Dexter Ave. N, the Parks Administration Building at Denny Way and Dexter Avenue N.

The agenda includes:

Meridian Playground legislation briefing.Staff will brief the Board on proposed legislation, which
confirms that portions of the City-owned land at the shared Meridian Playground/Good Shepherd Center site in Wallingford, currently occupied by a P-Patch and Seattle Tilth’s demonstration garden, have formally become a part of Meridian Playground. The legislation will give the Superintendent authority to continue those uses and also to enter into agreements with Seattle Tilth or other organizations for use of an area to be renamed in the Comprehensive Site Plan from “Formal Lawn” to “East Entrance and Outdoor Education Area.”

New partnership policy proposal. Staff will review with the Board a plan to draft a new Partnership Development Policy, and discuss the steps and timeline involved. The new policy will address how we can engage non-traditional partners that reflect the City’s changing demographics, potential park users and providers that are not currently participating in our programs and services. The proposed policy will address how Parks can be more proactive, creative, and engage potential private and non-profit agencies in a time of ever-tightening budget constraints.

Briefing papers on both agenda items will be available on the web by close of business on Monday, August 10 at: seattle.gov/parks/parkboard.

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 announced by the school district – they’re looking for your help:

Seattle Public Schools is actively seeking nominations for its Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee. The committee will be comprised of parents/families/guardians who reflect the diversity of Seattle Public Schools families. The committee advises the Superintendent on the implementation of School-Family Partnerships Policy (E10.01) while also providing support and technical assistance to District schools in using family and community engagement national best practices.

Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing an excellent education for every student and we are dedicated to preparing every student to graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life. The District’s strategic plan, Excellence for All, focuses on raising student achievement by ensuring excellence in every classroom, strengthening leadership throughout the district and building an infrastructure that works well. Community engagement is one of the key strategies of Excellence for All and we are committed to working with families and community members to create a truly excellent school district for each and every student.

The Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee will consist of up to thirty parents/guardians and family members representing the diverse population of the District. Consideration will be given to involve those community members and groups who have not historically been active or represented in District decision-making processes, as well as representation by individuals of differing gender, ethnicity, race, age, geography and stakeholder interest groups.

The initial term of membership to the committee is October 2009 – October 2010. The committee’s work involves one to two meetings a month, a presentation of the School Family Partnership report to the Superintendent and a presentation to the School Board.

To be considered for the Student Family Partnership Advisory Committee, parents, guardians or family members should complete and submit a nomination form by Monday, September 21. The nomination forms and a complete description of the committee are available on Seattle Public Schools’ Web site at http://www.seattleschools.org/area/fam/PAC.xml. Nomination forms will also be available at school offices.

Here’s what’s up this Friday night at The Admiral:

If Gandhi met Madonna for tea and had afternoon schnapps with Led Zeppelin, THAT would be Manooghi Hi.

Seattle’s Bombay-rock band Manooghi Hi, featuring Mumbai native Mehnaz, puts forth music of “a different color.” On Friday, August 7th at 8:00 p.m. at West Seattle’s, ADMIRAL THEATER, come see the group that “brings their mix of ‘Bombay-Rock’ mixing classical, pop, and spiritualism with shades blending East and West influences which Seattle Times reviewer Jonathan Zwickel calls “a new genre of cross-pollination that’s “dizzying”.”

The group is fronted by Mehnaz who sings in several languages using her unique training and ability rhythmic style called Tabla Boli. Coupled with each band member’s range of experience, the music lends itself effortlessly to many varied tastes without boundaries. Read a recent Seattle Times article on this amazing group here.

Following the group’s performance at 9:00 p.m. the theater will screen the award-winning dramedy “Rock On.”

It’s the story of 4 boys who put together the greatest band their country had ever seen, but never quite made it. Ten years pass and fate conspires to bring them together again and set them on a journey back to where they left off… a soul-searching pilgrimage into their past. The series of live concerts took place in Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Kolkata.

The film won 8 awards and scored four nominations for Best Male newcomer Farhan Akhtar and best supporting actor, Arjun Rampal. It was also nominated for best actress, best cinematography and best film.

It’s rated PG-13. Tickets are $10.00 for the concert only, 8.00 for the
film only and a discounted $15.00 for both. Tickets are pre-sold through
Brown Paper Tickets. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/73144 and at the door on August 7th.

Just announced:

Announcing a group for new dads in West Seattle (old dads are welcome, too). You’re invited to come meet other new dads to talk about kids or parenting, swap tips and war stories, or just grab a beer and meet new people. This is totally informal. No agenda or affiliation, no particular structure just yet.

First meeting: Zeek’s Pizza in Morgan Junction, Tuesday, August 4 from 7pm-9pm. Come for dinner or just stop by to say hi. No kids this time, please! We can talk about ideas for involving kids and spouses later on. RSVP to Andrew at heyotwell@gmail.com

Just announced for September at Fauntleroy Church, and promoters say they expect it to be a hot ticket:

Chicago singer-songwriter Susan Werner will make her only Seattle appearance this summer in West Seattle. Tickets have just gone on sale for her concert in the Fauntleroy Church sanctuary on Sunday, September 13, 7 PM, with reception to follow.

She is a defining artist of the folk music genre, with six albums to her credit, an active touring career, and a string of accolades from critics throughout the country, including The Washington Post and The New Yorker.

Her performance will also include jazz and pop, punctuated with sassy wit and Midwestern charm. Tickets ($20 to $30) are available at the church office (9140 California Ave. SW; 932-5600 – here’s a map); cash or check only, please. You may reserve tickets by phone but payment must follow within five days. For more information, e-mail Cryer at Bron@sirensongweb.com or call 206-255-4590

Announced today by the state:

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has fined Fog Tite Inc. $18,000 for illegally discharging industrial wastewater into a storm drain and for failing to properly monitor discharges of industrial stormwater into city storm drains.

Seattle storm drains serving the manufacturer of concrete meter boxes and catch basins – located at 4819 West Marginal Way S.W. – flow to the Duwamish Waterway.

Fog Tite connected drain lines to a city storm drain outside the facility without permits or approvals several years ago. The company discharges caustic water and sediment from its production process areas and its outdoor work yard into the drain line.

“Ignoring the city’s permit process inevitably resulted in Fog Tite connecting its drain line to the storm drain instead of the sewer,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, Ecology’s regional water-quality supervisor. “They’ve been discharging poorly-treated industrial stormwater and process wastewater directly to the Duwamish for years. An industrial facility in this day and age has a duty to know where its industrial discharges are going.”

Businesses can arrange to discharge industrial wastewater into the sanitary sewer but must have authorization from King County to do so, and may need to provide pre-treatment. Fog Tite has begun applying to the city and county for a legal sewer connection for its process wastewater and contaminated stormwater.

Fog Tite also failed to submit quarterly monitoring reports to Ecology on stormwater discharges, as required by the state industrial stormwater general permit.

“The self-reporting permit system reduces costs for companies and for the state,” Fitzpatrick explained, “and permitted facilities must do the required monitoring and reporting. Truthful and accurate self-reporting is fundamental in keeping our waterways clean and safe.”

Inspectors from Ecology and the city of Seattle uncovered the drain line violation earlier this year.

Ecology had first visited Fog Tite in March 2009 as part of a Duwamish Urban Waters Initiative program to visit businesses that are likely pollution sources to storm drains or sanitary sewers, lack environmental permits, or are potential generators of hazardous waste. A technical specialist helps each company identify whether it needs permits or can make voluntary improvements to its environmental practices.

Ecology and the city of Seattle made a follow-up inspection in May. A city dye test showed that all of Fog Tite’s production area and outdoor drains went to the city storm-drain system, and not the sanitary sewer as the company had claimed.

Fog Tite may seek an Ecology review of the penalty or file an appeal with the Washington State Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 days.

The Urban Waters Initiative is a cooperative program aimed at controlling sources of pollution to the Duwamish Waterway. The 2007 Legislature established the Initiative, which also operates along Tacoma’s Commencement Bay and the Spokane River in Spokane.

The Initiative supports Ecology’s work as a co-manager with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup site, a 5.5-mile stretch of the Duwamish upstream from Harbor Island. The Initiative also aids in Ecology’s priorities of reducing toxic threats and supporting the Puget Sound Initiative, a comprehensive effort by local, tribal, state and federal governments, business, agricultural and environmental interests, scientists, and the public to restore and protect the Sound.

Just in from the mayor’s office:

Mayor Greg Nickels invites homeowners who may be having
trouble paying their mortgages to attend a free workshop where they can
get assistance from lenders and counselors to help avoid foreclosure.
On Friday, July 24, the city’s Office of Housing and Human Services
Department, in partnership with federal, state and local non-profit
agencies, will hold the free workshop at Cleveland High School, 5511
15th Ave. S. on Beacon Hill. The workshop will run from 11 a.m. to 7
p.m.

“We’re extending a helping hand and making sure people who are
struggling can get their questions answered and make it through these
difficult times,” said Nickels. “Too often, homeowners don’t know
where to start or they wait too long to seek help when they have trouble
making their mortgage payments.”

Homeowners will be able to meet one-on-one with HUD-certified mortgage
counselors and learn about loan modification and refinancing options to
lower their monthly payments. The following lenders will be on hand to
work directly with their borrowers: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, GMAC,
Chase/WaMu, Ocwen, Freddie Mac and American Home Mortgage. Translators
will also be available.

Homeowners should bring copies of the following documents: a photo ID,
social security card, closing documents, 2007-2008 W-2s and tax returns,
last two months’ pay stubs, last two bank statements, monthly mortgage
statements or notices, and if it is applicable, a medical letter from a
doctor or a layoff notice from employer. Aside from loan modifications,
the event also will offer workshops on the foreclosure process, avoiding
foreclosure scams, repairing credit scores and budgeting.

“While Seattle has not been hit with foreclosures like some areas of
the country, there has been an increase with the downturn in the
economy. Unfortunately, the increased awareness of foreclosures has
provided an opportunity for scam artists to prey upon vulnerable people
who don’t know what their real options are,” said Linda Taylor,
housing director for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, a
nonprofit agency that has been offering mortgage counseling services for
40 years.

Those planning to attend can register by calling the Urban League of
Metropolitan Seattle at 1-800-368-1455. Walk-ins are also welcome. More
information is available at
www.seattle.gov/housing/buying/ForeclosurePrevention.htm, including
flyers in English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

The workshop is co-sponsored by the city of Seattle, the Federal
Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Seattle branch), U.S Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC), Washington State Department of Financial
Institutions, the Seattle-King County Asset-Building Collaborative, the
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, and Comcast.

Just in from the King County Council:

Council places Open Space Preservation Amendment on November ballot

Proposed amendment to King County Charter seeks to protect rural acreage

A proposed charter amendment that would provide enhanced protection for rural acreage either owned or held in a conservation easement by King County was placed on the November general election ballot today by the Metropolitan King County Council.

Voters will be asked whether to add an appendix to the charter that contains a list of properties deemed to have a “high conservation value” and therefore provided with enhanced protection against sale, transfer, or change of use, with some limited exceptions. Removing a property from the protected list would require adoption of an ordinance by a supermajority of at least seven Councilmembers and must include findings of fact that justify removal of the property from the list.

The properties under consideration are located throughout unincorporated rural King County and are already set aside for conservation. The County either owns the properties outright or holds development rights in them.

The Council also adopted a companion ordinance listing the 95 properties that will receive protection if the proposed charter amendment is approved. The properties are deemed to have high conservation value and comprise nearly 150,000 acres of rural land, including the Upper Raging River Forest and Snoqualmie Forest.

The Open Space Preservation Amendment was recommended to the Council last year by the King County Charter Review Commission, a group of King County citizens appointed to recommend changes to the King County Charter. The charter is the basic structural document of the King County government, similar to a constitution.

Just received this:

Daystar Retirement Village is hosting an entirely Oz-themed event open to the public on Saturday, July 25th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In keeping
with the theme of Heart, Brains and Courage, there will be info from and raffle baskets with proceeds to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association and Gilda’s Club of Seattle.

The 1939 classic film, “The Wizard of Oz” screens at 1:30 p.m. Drop in for a few minutes or stay for the movie, and have a bite to eat in the “Emerald City” dining room! Bring the grandkids, the kids, the parents or grandparents: all are welcome at this open house!

Daystar is located at 2615 SW Barton Street, across from the Westwood Village Shopping Center. (206) 937-6122

More details on the festival that’ll be happening at Hiawatha on Saturday and Sunday:

The Mediterranean Fantasy Festival, July 18 & 19, 2009, happens at Hiawatha
Community Center, 2700 California Ave SW.

The Mediterranean Fantasy Festival features belly dancing and other dances from the
Mediterranean Area.

2009 is the 22nd annual Med Fest.

The festival runs two days, Saturday and Sunday, and has non-stop dancing on two
(indoor and outdoor) stages. Saturday from 11:00 to 9:00(ish) and Sunday 11:00 to
7:00(ish).

There are workshops in conjunction with the festival; Friday evening, Saturday
morning and Sunday morning. This year featuring the fabulous, world renowned Aziza.
Aziza will perform Saturday, just about 3 pm, on the outdoor stage.

There are also lots of vendors, selling a wide variety of belly dance related items,
henna artists and Middle Eastern food. Tons of glitz and glam and sparkle.

Med Fest is family friendly entertainment, with lots to see and shop. There’s even a
wading pool for the little ones (and sometimes big toes too).

The festival is FREE to attend. Co-sponsored by the Babylonian Ensemble and the
Hiawatha Advisory Council. Funds collected go to the park and city, and help sponsor
kids events.

For more information, visit www.babylonianensemble.com

Just announced:

Curious KidStuff Toy Store is offering Kids Art classes in the upstairs ART STUDIO now through end of August.

More Classes in the Fall!

Toddlers Age 1 1/2-2 1/2 with parents
$15/hr
Monday 10-11 am
Thursday 9:30-10:30 am
Thursday 4:30-5:30

Age 3-6
$15/hr
Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday, or Friday 10-11 am
Thursday 11-12 noon,
Thursday 4:30-5:30

Age 7-10
$35/ 2 hrs
Tuesday or Thursday 2- 4 pm

Call or drop by the store to register a week in advance!
206-937-8788
4740 California Ave. SW
West Seattle WA 98116

Class Schedule changes in the Fall for back to School!

Here’s the announcement from Hope Lutheran:

Hope Lutheran Church invites all children, ages PK-4 through grade 5, to join us at Son Rock Kids Camp Vacation Bible School, daily July 20-24, from 9am – 12 noon.

“We’re ready for a VBS your children will never forget!” said camp Director, Leighellen Landskov, of Hope Lutheran Church. “At Son Rock Kids Camp, your kids will experience an adventure camp like no other! Children will have a great time singing songs, watching skits, creating crafts, and playing games. Most importantly, they will learn how their lives can be transformed by God’s great love for them.” “We’re looking forward to sharing this exciting event with the children and parents in our neighborhood. We hope they will join us at Son Rock Kids Camp!”

Son Rock Kids Camp VBS begins Monday, July 20, at 9am and continues daily through Friday, July 24th. Hope Lutheran Church is located one block East of the West Seattle Junction on the corner of Oregon and 42nd Ave. The church address is 4456 42nd Ave. SW. You may pre-register by calling the church office at 206-937-9330 or by e-mailing the church at church@hopeseattle.org. Registration begins Monday, July 20 at 8:30am and costs only $5! Plan on arriving early as we will be packed! All children must be potty trained as we don’t have adequate staffing or facilities to meet the needs of children in diapers. Please disclose any allergies your child may have on the forms you fill out during registration.

Just in from SoundYoga (WSB sponsor):

West Seattle’s own SoundYoga is now accepting applications for its Certified 500-hour Teacher Training program.

SoundYoga’s Chris Dormaier limits the class to only ten students. “The small class means that each student can benefit from the rich learning environment that we create and the personal attention of a mentor,” said Chris. “Our program is also special because our students learn not only to teach beginning yoga to groups but to individuals as well.”

The teacher training course includes:
• History and philosophy of yoga
• Anatomy and physiology
• Asana
• Pranayama
• Ayurveda
• Meditation, mantra and chanting
• Course planning
• Teaching methods for groups and individuals

The training fulfills all the requirements for Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga Foundation (KHYF) Teacher Certification and is the only teacher training course in Seattle registered with the KHYF.

“Some students participate to deepen their understanding of yoga for their own practice,” said Chris, “and others enroll because they see teaching yoga as their path in life.”

The course is presented by Christine Dormaier, M.S., CYT, ERYT 500, the director of SoundYoga and a certified Krishnamacharya Healing Yoga Foundation (KHYF) Teacher Trainer. Guest teachers for special sessions are Sonia Nelson, a KHYF Certified Teacher Trainer; and Julie James, LMP, Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Information about SoundYoga’s Teacher Training course is available at www.soundyoga.com or by calling Chris at 206-938-8195. SoundYoga is located at 5639 California Avenue, Seattle, WA 98136.

Tomorrow night, the Morgan Community Association has a long list of big items for its quarterly meeting – many of which will interest even those living outside Morgan Junction – president Deb Barker provided the rundown – read on: Read More