Join Queen Anne’s Westside United Select Soccer Program, a neighborhood program serving the youth of the Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard and Woodland communities.  Our top youth coaches and professional trainers focus on advanced player development.  Train local, get expert instruction, and participate with similarly committed families and youth! 

Tryout dates are:
Boys U11: May 4th, 7th and 9^th. 
Girls U11: May 5^th, 6^th and 9^th. 
Boys and Girls U12: Saturday, May 16^th and Sunday, May 17^th. 
Boys and Girls U13: Sunday, May 17^th and Monday, May 18^th.

Please go to the Westside United or Seattle Youth Soccer Association websites for further information.

Dining Out For Life is set for this Thursday (4/30) at a number of nearby restaurants. This nationwide effort supports Lifelong AIDS Alliance and the fight against AIDS. 

There are 160 Puget Sound restaurants participating and when you dine, 30% of your bill goes directly to Lifelong Aids Alliance. The group provides vital services to people in our area living with HIV, AIDS and other chronic illnesses. 

You can support Dining Out For Life during breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktail hours.  Check with any of these Queen Anne restaurants: 

Caffe Vita
Eat Local – Artisan Food Store
Hilltop Ale House
McMenamin’s Queen Anne
Pasta Bella Ristorante (Queen Anne)
Portage Restaurant
SZMANIA’S
Tini Bigs

For a complete list of all participating restaurants, visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

On Sunday May 3rd the Lisa Power Salon in Queen Anne will be doing hair, skin services and a raffle to raise money for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 3-Day walk. Last year with your help the Salon was able to raise $3,000. This year they will offer Hair and Skin Services to help support Team Sole Sistas. Each 3 Day walker must raise $2,300 so this year we have set our goal even higher to $4,000! Lisa says, 

We are now accepting hair appointments with Lisa, Jeremy, Sarah, Zoe, Corina Prices ranging from…. haircuts $50 – $106 ; hair color $60 – $85; foil $120 – $180. 

This year we are happy to have Anne Pennington joining us in offering Skin Care Services including Waxing, Skin Treatments and Face Mapping to help prescribe Dermalogica Skin Care that is right for your skin. Prices starting at $30 

Call now for appointments on Sunday, May 3 from 10 am – 6 pm.

Jill Arnow of the Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce was quoted in the Seattle PI when asked her opinion about whether the Washington State legislature

should take up a discussion regarding Senate Bill 6116.  This bill would extend the funding generated by existing taxes on hotel and restaurants that now goes towards the funding of Safeco Field to the arts and heritage programs, youth sports activities, publicly-owned stadiums, and more.

“We’re still hoping,” she said. “It’s important to my neighborhood, so we’re going to see what we can do.”

This year’s session in Olympia was extremely challenging.  Read more about the pro’s and con’s of continuing the KeyArena discussion by going to the Seattle PI.

Update:  In case you wondered about all the road construction, this Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) provided this information.  The project originates from a request by the community of Queen Anne.  Utilizing the Neighborhood Street Fund process, the Magnolia/Queen Anne District Council asked for improvements that would both enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow.  

The project has two parts:  
   – Queen Anne Ave N and W McGraw Street:  To enhance pedestrian safety and have the intersection serve as a gateway to the business district, SDOT is building curb bulbs and stamped concrete crosswalks.  The crosswalk improvements will use newly poured concrete finished with a treatment that replicates the look of inlaid brick.  The crosswalks, aided by the new curb bulbs, then provide a clear visual indication that pedestrians have the right of way.  Additionally, several other intersections along Queen Anne Ave N have this stamped crosswalk treatment, so this creates a uniform look in the business district area.   

   – Queen Anne Ave N and W Galer Street:  The sidewalk on the eastern side of Queen Anne Ave N will be expanded to increase the pedestrian space.  It is being extended out into the current street area, which is unusually wide, to create a pedestrian plaza with new street lights and trees.  This will shorten the distance that pedestrians have to cross, making the crossing safer, and will improve traffic flow.
The project is funded by the Bridging the Gap levy.  The voter approved initiative specifically sets aside funds for neighborhood improvement projects just like this.  You can learn more about the project at this Web page.

There was lots of road construction this weekend on the Avenue, starting at the intersection of Queen Anne Ave and McGraw. (Thanks, Loree for the photos.)

In spite of all the roadwork, businesses are still open.

On the other end of the Ave. by the Counterbalance, there seems to be more road construction to widen the road.  We don’t have information on this, but have asked Seattle Department of Transportation for an update.  If anyone has information, could you please post to the Comments section?  It would be much appreciated.

Update:  Great progress was made this past weekend on 10th Place W.  Neighbors were out both days planting the hillside. They will hit it again next Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.

Last summer neighbors on Queen Anne, by Barrett and Fulton Streets, were besieged by a herd of hard-working goats who were hired to take down and eat up the ivy on the hill.

It seems that the ivy had a mind of its own and grew back, as lush as always. The neighbors called together their work party this weekend to take care of this ivy for good.

But, the work is not done yet.  The energetic neighbors on this little street applied and received a grant from the Department of Neighborhoods to tear out the ivy and replace with new plants.

For the next two Saturdays, the folks will be out at 10:00 am – 4:00 pm planting about 2800 plants that will need to find their roots. If you are interested in helping out, just come by the corner of Barrett and Fulton St. with a pair of gardening gloves, a strong back, and a love of the outdoors, April 25 and May 2.

Jennifer from the Friends of the Seattle Public Library has provided an update.

I would like to say a big thank you to the fabulous Queen Anne Books for hosting a petition and for all who signed the petition either at Queen Anne Books or outside of our beloved Queen Anne Library branch.  This Monday morning, April 20^th, I presented the Queen Anne Books petition along with several others.  In total petitions were signed by more than 800 library supporters at: Wallingford, Northeast, Ballard, Greenwood, Queen Anne, Douglass Truth, Central, and Lake City Libraries as well as from independent booksellers and the Friends of The Seattle Public Library Book Sale.

It appears that the Library system will implement a one-week closure period of the Libraries in August of 2009.  All staff at the libraries will be put on furlough, thus, allowing the City to implement budget cuts.  Jennifer reported that SPL was pleased that the mayor restored $500,000 in suggested budget cuts in this coming year.  SPL is already looking at how they will develop an advocacy campaign in 2010.

Do you love spring and the sunshine that comes with a great Sunday morning?
At the new Opal Bistro, 2 Boston St., Seattle, WA, you can enjoy a great, new Saturday and Sunday brunch menu. You will love their mouth-watering dishes such as Mexican pozole, fried chicken and waffles, eggs Benedict, and flavorful Italian coffee, espresso, and cappucino.

The patio is open! Soak in the warm sunlight, while you explore the same great-tasting cuisine and excellent service we have become known for. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3 pm.

A tip from Clay let us know that there is road construction taking place on McGraw Ave., beginning at 2nd Ave. W to Queen Anne Avenue.  If you are trying to go up to the Hill on McGraw, you will be taken on a detour.

There are lots of great arts events coming up next month at Seattle Pacific University. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free, wheelchair accessible and located on the SPU campus, 3307 Third Ave West in Seattle. Free parking is available in the West Dravus Street parking lot. For more information, call 206-281-2205.

Night of Beats (5/8)
SPU’s student multicultural club, Mosaic, presents a night of beat boxing, hip-hop music and dance performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 8, in Royal Brougham Pavilion, 3414 Third Ave West.

Wind Symphony Concert (5/15)
The SPU Wind Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at First Free Methodist Church, 3200 Third Ave West, adjacent to the SPU campus.

Jazz Ensemble Concert (5/17)
The SPU Jazz Ensemble will perform a concert of swing, traditional, and modern jazz at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, at Seattle’s Triple Door Theatre, 216 Union Street in Seattle. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.thetripledoor.net.

SPU Theatre’s “See Rock City” (5/26-30)
This play follows two newlyweds through the end of World War II. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26-Friday, May 29, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 30, in the Backstage Theatre inside of SPU’s McKinley Hall. Tickets are $6. Call 206-281-2959, or visit www.spu.edu/boxoffice.

Senior Visual Communication Art Show (5/28-6/13)
Artwork from senior visual communication students will be on display 8a.m.-5 p.m.in the SPU Art Center Gallery, 3 West Cremona.

Thalia Concert (5/29)
Seattle Pacific University’s orchestra-in-residence, Thalia Symphony, presents music from Russia, Europe, and Asia on Friday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. at First Free Methodist Church. Special guest Li Bo will play on the morin khuur, a Mongolian fiddle. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students and seniors and can be purchased at www.thaliasymphony.org.

Percussion Ensemble Concert (6/2)
SPU’s Percussion Ensemble will perform traditional music of West Africa and the South Pacific at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, in the E.E. Bach Theatre inside of McKinley Hall, 3307 Third West. The concert features special guest, Cascade Percussion Ensemble under director Ian Alverez.

Choir Concert (6/5)
SPU’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men’s and Women’s Choirs will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, at First Free Methodist Church, 3200 Third Ave West, adjacent to the SPU campus.

Magnolia resident and readio personality Mike Gastineau has co-authored a new book entitled The Great Book of Seattle Sports Lists. The book is a chronicle of the sports history of Seattle and Washington. Local fans may think they’ve seen and read everything – but until now, it has never been in one place. The book is now available for sale afor $14.95 and there is a book launch party on May 4, at FX McRory’s from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. See full article on the MagnoliaVoice.

The Queen Anne Farmers Market will open June 18 and run Thursday afternoons from 3 to 7 pm at West Crockett St. and Queen Anne Ave. N, the site preferred by a majority of surveyed QA residents.

Bringing the market back this summer is a huge challenge,” admits Julie Whitehorn, chair of the Queen Anne Farmers Market Association (QAFMA). Given the late notice, alternate management teams were not available, but we have a commitment of financial assistance from the city, we have great vendors, and we have solid interest from the neighborhood.

The market will be managed this summer by the nonprofit QAFMA, which is racing against the clock to prepare the groundwork, from obtaining insurance to procuring vendors.  Queen Anne Neighbors for Responsible Growth, QAFMA’s parent organization, is supportive of the plan according to its chair, Scott Smith.

“The farmers market is an incredible asset,” said Smith. “We are committed to helping QAFMA with this temporary solution, and in securing management for 2010 and beyond.”

A recent issue was whether the market should remain on Thursday. According to Whitehorn, the former managers planned last fall to move the market to Saturdays. After surveying vendors, however, QAFMA discovered that many of them were already committed on Saturdays, and Queen Anne would be competing with Magnolia and University markets for both vendors and customers. 

While the City of Seattle has offered financial assistance to move the market to its new location, additional funds must be raised to cover expenses, including labor, permits, insurance, signage, and marketing. QAFMA seeks to raise $10,000 through a “Friend of the Market” program geared to business sponsors and “The Beet Goes On” fundraiser (reusable tote bags, offered as gifts with $15 minimum donations at local retailers, including A&J’s, Eat Local, Video Isle, Hilltop Yarn, and Pasta & Co).  

Queen Anne residents make up the QAFMA steering committee: Kimberly McKittrick, Maria College, Erica Peters, Jenny Wilkson, Sarah Holt, Heather Hughes, Laura Levy, Nancie Kosnoff, and John Rashby-Pollock. A volunteer manager and traffic monitors for the 15-week market are being actively sought, as are local chefs for demonstrations, and local musicians for busking. Those interested in volunteering, vending or performing at the market are encouraged to visit the website at www.qafma.org. Donations are accepted at the website via Paypal.

The person police believe is responsible for a string of burglaries in apartments and condominiums has been arrested.  (Please note that the photo to the right is not the actual suspect.) The so called cat burglar entered homes through sliding glass doors on upper floors of buildings.  The suspect was arrested in the Queen Anne area on Saturday after he tried to enter upper floor units.  Watchful neighbors called 911 and gave excellent descriptions of the man and which direction he fled.  SPD patrol cars arrived quickly and took the suspect into custody.  

This is a good reminder to watch out for suspicious activity in your neighborhood.  Call 911 to report anything that doesn’t seem normal.  You can call Terrie Johnston at 684-4741 if you would like to schedule a security survey of your building or home. 

The city of Seattle today announced a new strategy to help homeowners save energy.  The Green Building Capital Initiative offers 5,000 residential home energy audits that analyze a home’s heating and cooling systems. Funded through a partnership with Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light, the audits will be available at $95, a steep discount from the normal cost of $600. Call 206-684-3000 to schedule an audit. 

There is also a loan program so residents will be able to make energy-saving home improvements. The public-private partnerships is funded, in part, by $1.2 million of federal stimulus money from the Federal
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

Screaming Flea Productions, a Seattle-based television production company, is looking for “messy” families for a pilot they will be shooting this summer for a major cable network.  This is a budget home design show with an emphasis on organization.  They will have a professional organizer help sort through all your clutter who will find creative, attractive solutions for your organizational quandaries. 

So, if you’re an outgoing couple or family with clutter taking over your home, we’d love to hear from you.

We’ll be doing location scouts over the next few weeks, so please contact us at makeovertvshow@gmail.com and tell us a little about yourselves.  Photos of your mess are also welcome!

Eat Local and seattlefarm come together to provide food in a VERY local way to bring Seattleites delicious, organic food without the “food miles” typically associated with such food. Just this week, the seattlefarmTM vegetable garden service installed a beautiful vegetable garden outside of Eat Local’s storefront.

seattlefarmTM will return once per week to grow different vegetables and herbs that will be included in many of Eat Local’s extraordinary dishes. To celebrate local food, these two sustainability focused companies are having an Earth Day Garden Party at Eat Local. The party will be held this Wednesday, Earth Day – April 22, 2009 from 3:30 – 7:30 pm. There will be live music in the form of the jazz trio “Two Men and a Bassist,” as well as free wine and food samples!

Eat Local, located in Upper Queen Anne, 2400 Queen Anne Avenue North, Seattle WA, is an artisan food store offering prepared meals made with seasonal, organic ingredients bought directly from local farms. For more information, visit www.eatlocalonline.com.

We recently posted a story about seattlefarm, a service developed by Seattle MicroFarm. 

During the heavy snowstorms of last year, we ran a story about an interesting video posted to YouTube recording an altercation between an inebriated driver coming down the Counterbalance and the sledders on the hill.  A link on our blog was posted to this YouTube video.  Unfortunately, the video has been removed, and we are wondering if anyone has a contact to the person who shot the video and or does anyone know why it was removed?

A 4-5 week construction project gets underway today that might affect your commute. The project, which starts today at Queen Anne Ave. N. and W. McGraw will improve pedestrian safety.. For the next few weeks, crews will be creating stamped concrete crosswalks and building curb bulbs at W McGraw and Queen Anne Ave. N. Then, at Queen Anne Ave N. and W. Galer St., the sidewalk on the eastern side of Queen Anne Ave will be expanded and the three-way stop will be reconfigured to reduce confusion over vehicle right-of-way.This could affect your weekends, too. According to the press release from the city, “from 7 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday, April 25 to 27, turns from Queen Anne Avenue N to westbound W McGraw Street will not be allowed. The following weekend, from 7 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday, May 2 to 4, turns from Queen Anne Avenue N to eastbound W McGraw Street will not be allowed.”

Picture Perfect Queen Anne requested this project to implement their Queen Anne Avenue North Streetscape Master Plan. It is being funded by the Neighborhood Street Fund and “Bridging the Gap transportation levy.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has committed in writing to improving vehicle and freight access from Magnolia, Ballard and Queen Anne to the new deep-bored tunnel, according to a press release issued today by Reps. Mary Lou Dickersonand Reuven Carlyle. Nickels wrote that the city will work with WSDOT to improve traffic flow on N 46th St., N 39th St., Nickerson St., Dexter Ave. N, Mercer St. and West Mercer St. The city also said it would work to improve congestion at the north and south ends of the Aurora Bridge.

 “The major arterials within our community will need attention and we’re focused on ensuring the city is focused on the needs of residential and commercial traffic,” said Carlyle. Both representatives had asked the mayor for a formal letter expressing the city’s commitment on improving traffic flow to Seattle’s Northwest neighborhoods. As you know, tunnel access has been a hot topic on the west side of Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Ballard, most recently at a Magnolia Community Club meeting in February.