At a pasta dinner/fundraiser last night the Merrill Gardens retirement community on Queen Anne raised over $1,100 for the four Lakewood police officers who were tragically killed a few weeks ago.
Pictured above (right to left): Merrill Gardens General Manager Karen Gorsuch and Community Relations Director Staci Titus pose with a donation bowl.
All 22 Merrill Gardens locations statewide held parallel fundraisers for the officers last night, raising an estimated $20,000 for the Lakewood Independent Guild Charity Fund.
The Seattle & King County Department of Health announced this week that as of this weekend the H1N1 vaccine eligibility has been expanded to include everyone six months of age and older, as supplies and availability have increased. Many health care professionals in the county have reported that they have been able to meet the demands of high-risk patients, and though vaccine supplies are expected to continue to rise, the department cautions that it still may be limited at some locations and those at high risk who have not yet been immunized should do so as soon as possible.
“We’re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that we have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, in statement this week. “Even though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.”
There are a number of local health care providers and pharmacies offering the vaccine on both an appointment and walk-in basis. Check that list here. The closest locations to Queen Anne are the Safeway in Uptown, the Ballard Fred Meyer and Bartell Drugs in Magnolia.
Seattle Children’s Hospital on Sand Point Way will be offering H1N1 swine flu vaccinations to all children between 6 months and 18 years old this Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The vaccine will be available at the clinic, located at the hospital’s Giraffe entrance, 4800 Sand Point Way NE. on a walk in basis only.
If able, parents should bring their child’s immunization record so staff can update it. Families should dress appropriately for the cold weather. As a reminder for parents, children 9 years and younger will need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine spaced at least 28 days apart.
Additionally, there are a number of health centers providing vaccines for those who can’t afford to pay for them. These HealthPoint clinics will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, December 12, Wednesday, December 16 and next Saturday, December 19. Public Health will have their Columbia, North, Eastgate, Renton and Federal Way locations open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 12 and 19, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16. All vaccinations will be administered on a first come, first served basis. There will be no reservations, and if demand is high, people will be give a time to return later that day to receive their vaccine.
Santa will be visiting Magnolia this weekend and next, taking professional pictures at the Serendipity Cafe every Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m., until Christmas.
Walk ins are welcome or you can call (206) 406-7119 to make an appointment. More information here .
For those of you who have seen the Roasty Toasty Holiday Celebration signs hanging in Counterbalance Park, I have some sad news – the event planned for this weekend has been canceled due to the colder than usual weather.
This event began some years ago by the Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce. Today it’s organized by the Uptown Alliance, and supported by the Department of Neighborhoods and the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. The Alliance, which had planned a number of fun activities for the evening – including live music accordion music, guessing games, information tables for the Department of Neighborhoods and FOLKpark, and two big barrel bond fires for making s’mores – originally set for this Saturday, December 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. When I spoke with Alliance co-president Jean Sundborg yesterday, the plans were still on, but she was a little unsure about the turnout due to weather.
“If it’s really below freezing, we may not ask people to come and stand for two hours,” she said.
Twenty minutes later she called me back to say they had decided to push the event to January, when the weather will hopefully be a bit more accommodating.
This morning Christa Dumpys from the Department of Neighborhoods wrote to say the event has been reschedule for Saturday, January 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., and will include all the same events plus a light show. They will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the Feeding Program at Sacred Heart Church in Lower Queen Anne.
The Uptown Alliance puts this event together on virtually no budget so that neighbors in the Lower and Upper Queen Anne may have a venue to stop by and meet each other. If you can’t wait until January 23 to get involved with your neighbors, you can swing by the Alliance’s next meeting, on Thursday, January 14 at 7 p.m. the Department of Neighborhoods, located at 160 Roy St. They meet on the second Thursday of every month. Anyone who attends – whether business owner, resident, or just someone interested in Lower Queen Anne – can become a member simply by attending a meeting. Call (206) 733-9435 for more information.
Unless your wood-burning fireplace is your only source of heat, you shouldn’t be using it, says the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. “Stable weather conditions, combined with heavy use of wood-burning devices in our region, have created pollution levels that are unhealthy for sensitive group populations,” the agency website states. Because of the air quality, the agency has expanded the “Stage 2 burn ban” to include King County. According to the website, during a Stage 2 burn ban:
* No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled
* Even if your fireplace, pellet stove, or wood stove is your only adequate source of heat, no visible smoke is allowed.
* No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
* Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
The use of gas and propane stoves and inserts are allowed during burn bans. (Thanks Kate for the tip!)
Assisted living community Queen Anne Manor spent the month of November collecting used clothes for disabled children and adults. And starting tomorrow, Thursday, December 10, they will be holding a ‘Warm Hands’ drive, collecting new or gently worn gloves, scarves and hats for The Millionair Club, an organization that helps homeless workers find job placement and offers them showers, hygiene products and a hot meal before work.
“We all know what a cutting, frigid Winter it has been so far in Seattle and there are countless Less Fortunate men and women that desperately just need that extra support from us this Winter,” said Bethany Leigh Juchem, marketing director at Queen Anne Manor.
Donations can be made at Queen Anne Manor, located at 100 Crockett Street at the top of the hill, starting tomorrow through New Year’s Day. To donate to The Millionair Club Charity, or to hire a homesless worker, click here.
Last month our sister site, MyBallard, spoke with 36th District Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, who told them she was planning on filing a bill this upcoming legislative session (which begins January 10) that would legalize marijuana. Yesterday they reported that Rep. Dickerson and five other state representatives pre-filed HB 2401.
Meanwhile, Rep. Reuven Carlyle wrote down his thoughts on how he’ll vote on the state budget, which is projected to reach a $2.6 billion deficit in 2010, on his blog. He outlined three criteria for how he will vote on the budget – spending levels, revenue levels, and the question of system change and reform.
“To me systems change is about looking at our structures, systems, infrastructure of methodology, norms and behaviors and asking one core question: What would our systems look like if we designed them anew, today, from scratch?” he wrote. “We too often pull back from ‘what is possible’ before we even get a new idea of the drawing board. I’m not suggesting everything is broken and yet much of how we do business in state government does require a bold new approach.”
Carlyle went on to list several “modest but legitimate examples” of how government reform could be applied, tackling issues such as licensing and liquor (specifically the debate between whether these should be government run, or private sector), technology, transportation funding and the building of public infrastructure, and education reform and the Race to the Top challenge. Read Carlyle’s thoughts here.
Anyone interested in speaking with representatives about the upcoming legislative session is welcome to attend the 36th District Legislative Delegation holiday open house next week, on Tuesday, December 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sen. Kohl-Welles’ and Rep. Carlyle’s district office on the base of Queen Anne at 3131 Western Ave, Suite 421, in the Northwest Work Lofts building. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles and Reps. Mary Lou Dickerson and Reuven Carlyle will present an overview of the 2010 legislative session and answer constituent questions.
Olympia-based papercut artist Nikki McClure will be signing her new 2010 calendar, entitled Revive, at Eat Local this Sunday, December 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. (if you happen to be off the hill this weekend, she’ll be at their Burien store from 12 to 1 p.m.)
Using an X-Acto knife and a single sheet of paper, Nikki creates intricate, beautiful designs that translate the “complex poetry of motherhood, nature, and activism into a simple and endearing picture,” Cinders Gallery boasts on her website. This is the first year her calendar has more than two colors on the cover (the picture for the month of January is also another first for Nikki – the first time she’s used a combination of papercuts to create one image).
“This event will be quite a big deal as Nikki does not do that many appearances,” said Eat Local owner Greg Conner, who noted that there will also be a tasting at the event. “It should be fun for people to meet Nikki and taste some great food.”
Interested in learning more about Nikki? Watch this video:
Our friends over at SeattleCrime.com have caught wind of an interesting Queen Anne break in almost a week ago now. According to a police report, two people broke into the Center House at Seattle Center sometime either late in the evening of Monday, November 30, or early in the morning on Tuesday, December 1, triggering the alarm. According to the report, the two got drunk and ate a bunch of baked good from a food case in one of the cafes, the keys to which employees said are usually hidden. Police reported that they found a half-consumed bottle of vodka and half-eaten muffin at the site the next day, and suspect that an ex-employee let go back in September may have been involved. “The suspects thought that they had disarmed the alarm system prior to their alcohol binge,” Officer Stephan Auralaid wrote in the report. However, an alarm was in fact triggered, and police have video of the two suspects inside the Center House. Some of the cafe staff believe they may be able to identify them.
Update 11:38 a.m.: According toSeattle 911, the PI’s police blog, the fire was caused by an accidental electrical failure, and the three boats and dock affected amounted to an estimated $2 million in damages.
Update: Firefighters battled a two-alarm marina fire on Lake Union in the 1800 block of Westlake Ave. early this morning. It began just after 3 a.m. as a report of a 30-foot boat on fire, and quickly grew to three boats ablaze — the flames easily visible from the east side of Queen Anne. Because of the cold temperatures, firefighters turned to foam to extinguish the blaze, as water froze when it hit the dock. Two firefighters and a Harbor Patrol officer fell into the lake, but they were quickly pulled to safety without injury.
By 4 a.m. the fire was under control. Here’s video of the fire from KIRO TV. And Queen Ann View reader Silver posted updates here in the forum.
12 Bars of Christmas, an annual charity event for Dynamic Family Services, is having their annual pud crawl fundraiser in Lower Queen Anne this weekend! This Saturday, December 12, participants will celebrate the holidays by quenching their thirst at 12 different Uptown bars.
12 Bars of Christmas is asking for a $5 donation, which will all go to Dynamic Family Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the development of children with disabilities in King County by providing quality early intervention services and training for parents.
“Last year, we had tons of fun,” organizer Bindi Shah wrote. “Can’t wait to see everyone!”
You can check out pictures of last year’s event here. Donate and register (so you can get an official crawl wristband) here.
Seattle Storm has found a new practice facility at Queen Anne’s own Seattle Pacific University, according to the Seattle Times . Since the Sonics organization added the WNBA Storm in 2000, they have practiced at The Furtado Center across the street from the Seattle Center. In 2005 that site was bought by the city for the new Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters. Storm’s access to the facility was supposed to continue until 2010, as long as the Sonics continued to play at KeyArena. But after the Sonics were relocated to Oklahoma City and Storm was sold by the owners, the women’s basketball team had to find a new facility to practice in, SPU’s Royal Brougham Pavilion.
The deal with SPU includes a “new, professional-length court installed at the lower level of the Pavilion on Nickerson St.” the Times said. As for the Pavilion’s upper level courts, Storm will share them with SPU classes and teams. From May to September, while the university is on summer break, Storm will be the primary user. In addition, most of the material in Storm’s old practice facility has been re-purposed and reused at the new location, thanks to the joint efforts of the team and the Gates Foundation.
When I got home tonight I was surprised to see four firefighters running around the side and behind the building I live in. As I made my way to the back entrance I saw why. One of the dumpsters behind my building was on fire. Well, not just on fire – ablaze.
I was worried that the flames, which from what I could see went as high as a few feet above the top of the dumpster, would reach the tree branches above. The good news is the firefighters were able to put the fire out almost immediately and no one was hurt. My photos of the flames didn’t turn out as it’s so dark outside, but I did snap a picture of the wreckage. The dumpster on the right was totally destroyed, and the wall to the left, where it usually rests, received some relatively minimal damage. Luckily.
As I witnessed tonight, fires can start extremely fast, and if not found immediately, can spread. No one knows exactly how the fire started, though several in the building suspect a still-lit cigarette was tossed in accidentally. Still, if a few residents hadn’t noticed the flames – one of my neighbors opened her curtains to see fire the entire length of her window – this fire could have easily spread. So, neighbors, please be cautious this winter. Here on Queen Anne we have lots of trees, and very old electrical systems (being the oldest neighborhood in the city and all). Stock up on space heaters and candles, but remember not to leave them unattended, and make sure your holiday decorations are fire safe.
This just in: Chocolopolis is having a free tasting of Taza Chocolate, classically stone-ground Mexican style cacao, tonight, Monday, December 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. They will have bars with cacao from the Dominican Republic and just a few from Chiapas. The free tasting comes along with a little presentation about how their chocolate is made. Sweets and learning = fun!
The Greater Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce is having a Holiday Party tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Merrill Gardens, located at 805 4th Ave N. They will have wine, food, deserts and holiday fun! Anyone interested in the chamber is invited to attend this festive networking event.
We’ve been reporting on the soon-to-be pilates studio opening on Queen Anne Ave N since August. And now, the time has finally come. Originally set to open in early October, the date was pushed back to January due to a manufacturing delay in the production of their machines. However, though they won’t officially be opening their doors for group classes until next month, Inspire Pilates is currently offering pre-opening specials for interested customers looking to try out their unique brand of pilates.
The workout – called SPX fitness – is based on the holistic principles of pilates, combined with elements of strength training and cardio. It’s designed to be an all-in-one workout focused on muscle toning and calorie burning.
When they’re all set up for their official opening, there will be nine machines in the studio for small group classes, and they will be offering one-on-one sessions and buddy workouts. However, until their opening next month, owner Sue Hahm is offering free 20 minute sessions for anyone interested in getting a taste of Inspire Pilates before attending a full class. See more information about their opening and class offerings here.
Our sister site, MagnoliaVoice, has been covering the issues surrounding the new bus and transit lanes (BAT) along 15th Ave W. Outside of the posted hours, these lanes are like any other, but from 7 to 9 a.m. – during the morning rush hour – they are reserved for buses only. A ticket for violating the BAT lane restriction is $124.
Now the Magnolia Community Club (MCC) is asking the city to allow carpools and taxis to use the BAT lanes along 15th Ave West, saying in a letter to the Department of Transportation that the BAT lanes do not accomplish their primary purpose, as the implementation of Rapid Ride bus service is now uncertain due to budget shortfalls. They believe the increased cruise ship traffic at Pier 91 is just another reason for a conversion from BAT lanes to HOV lanes, while also alleviating daily congestion for Queen Anne, Magnolia and Ballard rush-hour commuters.
The MCC also wants to arrange a meeting of representatives from SDOT, the Queen Anne Community Council, Ballard Community Council, the Port of Seattle and th Seattle Police Department to discuss this issue. Read the full story at MagnoliaVoice.
This week Queen Anne retirement community Merrill Gardenswill be hosting a fundraiser for the four fallen Lakewood police officers. The event will be held from 5 to 7p.m. on Wednesday, December 9 at all of the 22 Merrill Gardens communities in the state.
The folks at the Queen Anne location, at 805 4th Ave. N., have planned a big pasta dinner, including fixings from baked ziti with Italian sausage and fennel, to Caesar salad and garlic bread, topped off with red velvet cupcakes for dessert. The suggested donation is $10, and all of the proceeds will be donated to the Lakewood Independent Guild Charity Fund.
For more information, or to see the other Merrill Gardens locations, see the attached media release (.pdf).
SDOT is closing the right-hand, southbound lane on the Alaskan Way Viaduct this week, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today, Monday, December 7 through Wednesday, December 9. The lane will be closed from S. Massachusetts St. to S. Holgate St., so that crews may repair a damaged railing. Look out for added traffic.
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