Hello everyone, 

The South Region Team has started a monthly e~newsletter.  

The citywide newsletter includes information about: 

·   Introduction of South Region Team members

·   Information on the Neighborhood Matching Fund Large Projects Fund

·   Accepting Neighborhood Projects Fund Application until early March

·   Refrigerator Rebate Program from Seattle City Light

·   Application available for Youth Arts Funding

·   Seattle Parks Meeting on New Directions for Community Centers

·   Free Tax Help at Seattle Public Libraries

·   Take a Free SAT Test

·   Small Sparks Community Development Fund Information

District newsletter has events and items that may be of interest to the district.  If you have an event you would like included, for next month, please contact one of the team members.

Thank you,

Yun Pitre

South Region District Coordinator

Department of Neighborhoods

386-1924(office)

730-0364(cell)

Public Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement:

Consistent with the Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, all records within the possession of the City may be subject to a public disclosure request and may be distributed or copied.  Records include and are not limited to sign-in sheets, contracts, emails, notes, correspondence, etc. Use of lists of individuals or directory information (including address, phone or E-mail) may not be used for commercial purposes.

South Region newsletter includes citywide and district specific events and items that may be of interest to you.

Citywide Information

Neighborhood Projects Fund application Due March 8^th

NPF money can be used for small-scale (up to $90K per project) street or parks improvements, such as sidewalk repair, traffic circles and traffic calming, sidewalks, school zone speed limit signs, playground improvements, etc. The application form can be found online at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/btgnsfcrf/documents/2011NPFApplication.pdf .

Relief for Christchurch Earthquake

Christchurch, New Zealand, a Seattle Sister City, was recently struck by a devastating earthquake. Find out how you can help by sending relief assistance at http://mayormcginn.seattle.gov/christchurch-earthquake/   

Seattle Parks to Conduct Customer Count at Community Centers

Beginning February 28, Seattle Parks and Recreation will ask customers at its community centers to sign in indicating their age group and time of arrival; the info will help Parks staff respond to a City Council directive to reconsider how community centers are operated. The pilot project,  which will last two weeks, will help Parks staff respond to a City Council directive to reconsider how community centers are operated. After two weeks Parks will evaluate the information and decide whether to extend it for 10 more weeks. http://parkways.seattle.gov/2011/02/28/seattle-parks-to-conduct-customer-count-at-community-centers/

Public Meeting on Seattle Shoreline Rule Changes

March 8, 2011
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Presentation starts at 6:00 p.m.
Seattle City Hall, Bertha Knight Landes Room
600 4th Avenue, 5th Avenue level

 Highlighted proposed changes that might affect you include:

• Increasing shoreline setbacks for new residential development
• Changing requirements for new and replaced bulkheads, unless water threatens to undermine buildings
• Clarifying the use of shorelines to support businesses
• Improving public access to shorelines
• Prohibiting additional, new floating homes
• Continuing current regulations that maintain existing floating homes
• Regulating the number of liveaboards at marinas

Detailed information about proposed regulation changes is available at http://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2011/02/09/seattle-shoreline-rules-to-change/

Public comments on the proposed Shoreline Master Program update, which regulates Seattle’s shorelines, are accepted through May 16, 2011.  Please send your written comments to Margaret Glowacki at margaret.glowacki@....  Written comments may also be submitted at the public meeting.

Walk, Bike, Ride Challenge

Seattle’s Walk Bike Ride Challenge is a great way to walk, bike and use transit more often.

Be part of community of citizens making a difference by converting two or more car trips per week. Receive support via weekly emails with encouragement and tips to help you walk, bike and ride. Go online to track your progress and see the collective impact of all participants.

March /April participants can win these great prizes:

·          $100 REI gift certificate

·          $100 Zipcar gift certificate

·          Birthday party at Children’s Museum. ($175 value)

·          $25 gift certificate from Ballard Brothers Seafood and Burgers (Two winners)

Plus, you could win an end-of-year grand prize:

·          One night stay at the Pan Pacific Hotel in South Lake Union ($375 value)

·          An electric bike from e-Moto Electric Vehicles ($1,500 value)

To learn more or to register, click here.

Refrigerator Rebate from Seattle City Light

Appliances make up about 20 percent of your home’s electricity use. Seattle City Light’s appliance rebates can help you upgrade to more efficient models – saving you money and electricity for years to come. For more information, please go to http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/resident/appliances/

Free Tax Help at Seattle Public Libraries

The Seattle Public Library, AARP and United Way are collaborating to offer free tax preparation Jan. 18 through April 17 at 11 Library locations. This service is free and available to all individuals. The free service is not available for business tax returns.
Drop-in tax help is offered on a first come, first served basis. To schedule an appointment in advance, call or visit one of these Library locations: Ballard, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, Rainier Beach, or the Southwest Branch. Visit http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_current_featuresdetail&cid=1199922681334 for available times and locations.

Small Sparks Community Development Fund Available  

Do you have ideas for building community that could use up to $1000 from the City's Small Sparks program? Small Sparks seeks to bring together new people. The goal is to get new people involved in creative small-scale community building initiatives. If you have any ideas we would love to hear about them, and share information about the program with you! Email your ideas to any South Region Team members. Their contact information is available at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nsc/coordinators.htm .

Delridge Neighborhoods District

Delridge Playfield Opening Celebration

March 12, 2011
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
On the north field with disc and soccer games for all ages.
Official Ribbon Cutting Dedication - 1:15

Come and help celebrate the completion of the project. The renovated fields now support baseball, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, men's and women's lacrosse. The size of the field complex accommodates several of these sports simultaneously!!

Community Orchard of West Seattle Work Party

Mar. 12

10am-12pm

South Seattle Community College North Entrance- 6000 16th Ave SW

Annual Plantings: New Strategies with Old Favorites!  Planting seeds is something most of us have done since childhood. There are many uncommon techniques that can make annual veggie and fruit gardening less work and more fun. Share information on your favorite annuals for our area, and be prepared to break into small groups to integrate your annual favorites into our emerging perennial orchard system. Come help create a Community Orchard in West Seattle. Join in for an interesting class, lunch, and fun work party. All free. Please RSVP, so we can be prepared for lunch. http://www.fruitinwestseattle.org/

World Water Week at Chief Sealth International High School:

MARCH 21-25

For detailed World Water Week schedule visit http://www.seattleschools.org/schools/chiefsealth/h2o.html

Greater Duwamish District

“Beacon Rocks!” Swing Dance Fundraiser

The first “Beacon Rocks!” fundraiser of 2011 is Saturday, March 5th, 2011.
What: An evening of Swing Dancing and Swing Era fun!
When:  Sat., March 5th, 2011,  8 – 11 pm
How much: Suggested donations starting at $10
Where: The Garden House on Beacon Hill, 2336 15th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98144
What (in detail): An evening of Swing Dancing and Swing Era fun! This event will include a live swing dancing performance and swing-dance lesson by Savoy Swing, a live cake raffle and other fun that will surely ensue! Swing Era costumes will be encouraged! Free hors d' oeuvres will be available, thanks to generous donations. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase (all proceeds will go to Beacon Hill Music). Suggested entry donations at the door start at $10.
Who: This fundraiser is being put on by Beacon Hill Music, a community group formed to promote music, musicians and fans of music in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.  Our goal is to have these events play an important role in building community ties, while celebrating our diverse and culturally rich neighborhood. Our major project has been the "Beacon Rocks!" music series –  three summer Sundays at the Lander Festival Street. As we approach our 2rd year, our organization is holding fund raising events like this one to pay for “Beacon Rocks!” events for 2011 events on June 26th, July 31st and August 28th.
More info:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beacon-Hill-Music/174465942581147 , http://www.rockitspace.org/beacon-rocks.html , http://www.savoyswing.org/ , http://www.facebook.com/savoyswingclub
Contact: Paul Ray beaconrocks@... 206-658-3622

“Beacon Rocks!” Auditions Beginning

What: "Beacon Rocks!" Auditions, Auditions to participate in Beacon Rocks!
When:  Saturdays March 19th April 2nd, and April 16th
Where: ROCKiT Space open mic at Kusina Filipina 3201 Beacon Ave S

How: Get online and sign up at beaconrocks@..., show up at open mic, and ROCKiT!

Beacon Hill Music Songwriters Circle

March 8th - 7pm
A casual and quite affordable songwriter's group where people come together and play songs for each other, and get feedback and support from other songwriters. Held on the second Tuesday of each month. Location: Betty Jean and Jay’s house (5919 Shaffer Ave. S. Seattle) $5 suggested donation. Contact beaconrocks@... for more information.

Bethany Community Garden

The Bethany Garden is a community space located at the corner of Beacon Ave & Graham Street. Its operations are overseen by Bethany UCC church on whose campus it is located. Congregation members and neighbors cultivate their own plot within the garden; we still have lots of spots available for eager gardeners for the upcoming season!

The goal is to involve more neighbors in the Beacon Hill community and to have a welcoming space for people who wish to grow their own food. Contact Carole Claasen at ckcgals@... for more information.

Georgetown Art Attack

The fabulous Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack returns on March 12. The neighborhood lights up from 6:00 to 9:00 PM with visual and performing arts presentations throughout the historic industrial arts corridor. This monthly event affords the public an opportunity to visit working artists’ studios and patronize the lively and diverse establishments that surround them.

Southeast District

North Henderson Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction Project Community Meeting

March 10, 2011

5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Rainier Community Center- 4600 38^th Ave S

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wants your feedback on potential projects to reduce sewage and stormwater overflows into Lake Washington near Seward Park and Martha Washington Park. This meeting is the latest in a series of community meetings to answer questions about the project and gather community input. Those who haven't attended any previous workshops are invited to come at 5:30 p.m. for an overview of the project. The workshop will officially begin at 6 p.m.

Attend the meeting to

·          To give feedback on project locations

·          Learn what the community is saying about the project-is your opinion represented?

·          Ask questions and provide your input

Questions? Call 206.826.4767or email SPU_HCSO@... . Visit our website at www.seattle.gov/CSO

Rainer Beach Neighborhood Plan Update Community Meeting

March 19th, 2011,

9 a.m. to Noon.
South Shore K-8 School- 4800 S. Henderson Street, Seattle
Join us following the meeting for an open house (with food) from Noon to 1:00 p.m. to meet your neighbors.  There will be a Resource Fair where you can connect with community organizations and City Departments already working in your neighborhood. We want to hear from you. What makes Rainier Beach your neighborhood? What is important to keep, what’s missing, and what needs attention? Your information will help update the current plan. In the late 1990s, people in Rainier Beach worked together to create Rainier Beach 2014: A Plan for a Sustainable Future; your community’s plan to guide growth and change for the following 20 years. It’s time to take a fresh look at your neighborhood plan! Things have changed since 1999. One big change is the arrival of light rail. Another is the City’s increased effort to support the rich diversity of your neighborhood. Together, let’s make your neighborhood even better. Be Part of the Conversation!  There will be a series of community meetings to hear your suggestions on how to achieve your community’s vision. You will have the opportunity to help identify—and prioritize—goals and action steps for your neighborhood plan. Can’t make the workshop? Fill out a questionnaire at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y938SWK  Businesses, please fill out the business survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P6N98VL  .WEBSITES  Neighborhood Planning: www.seattle.gov/dpd/Neighborhood_Planning  

Contact Kerry Wade, at 206.733.9091 or kerry.wade@..., to request information, interpretation, ADA accommodations, or to sign up for childcare (please notify us).

3^rd Annual Bridge to Beach All Valley Clean Up Day

The third annual Bridge to Beach All Valley Clean Up Day will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. The Rainier Valley will be awash with activity and celebration as hundreds of people from neighborhood groups, youth organizations, and businesses participate in a coordinated effort of getting dirty in order to clean up streets, parks, gardens and planting strips.  By the end of the day, our neighborhoods will look better as we celebrate the spring.  The City of Seattle will provide trash grabbers, gloves, trash bags, and garbage pick up to get the jobs done.   Projects can further be enhanced by applying for a Small Sparks grant to help with outreach to neighbors, to buy needed supplies or to plan celebratory event following your accomplishment. For more information, please contact Yun Pitre at yun.pitre@...

Southwest District

Lafayette Playground Community Update Meeting

Lafayette Elementary’s Play it Forward Playground Legacy Project is pleased to announce that they are moving forward with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for the $100,000  matching fund. To keep the community and Lafayette Families informed of the progress, they are setting up a series of meeting.  Please mark your calendars and stop by.

Dates/times

Tuesday, March 15 7-8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27^th 7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17 7-8 p.m.

Where: Lafayette Elementary School Library (2645 California Ave SW, enter through the lobby)

Fauntleroy Food Fest and Annual Meeting

March 15, 2011

6 to 8 p.m.

The Hall at Fauntleroy

A full house is expected at The Hall at Fauntleroy for FCA's annual Fauntleroy Food Fest and Membership Meeting. The doors will open at 6 PM to sample food from six local eateries, learn about local issues and programs, chat with neighbors, and pay to start or renew FCA membership. Election of FCA officers and directors will happen toward the end of the evening.

Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Event

March 31

6:30 to 8:30 with dancing starting at 7PM

West Seattle Christian Church- 4400 42^nd Ave SW

Make new connections with your neighbors and put some spring in your step. To kick-off year two of the Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council, the event will start with a town hall forum where neighbors can share the concerns and interests they want the council to focus on for year two. Then family fun begins with a hoedown led by instructor Dina Blade and live music from the Canote Brothers. $3 per person or family donation is requested. Please bring cookies to share. Find out more at www. genesee-schmitz.org.

Yun Pitre

Neighborhood District Coordinator

South Region

Department of Neighborhoods

386-1924(office)

730-0364(cell)

yun.pitre@... or don_southregion@...

Public Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement:

Consistent with the Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, all records within the possession of the City may be subject to a public disclosure request and may be distributed or copied.  Records include and are not limited to sign-in sheets, contracts, emails, notes, correspondence, etc. Use of lists of individuals or directory information (including address, phone or E-mail) may not be used for commercial purposes.

South Region newsletter includes citywide and district specific events and items that may be of interest to you.

Citywide Information

Small and Simple Neighborhood Matching Fund application Due May 9th

The Small and Simple Projects Fund provides awards up to $20,000 to support community members in building community relationships around a project. Small and Simple Projects Fund activities may be physical projects as well as less tangible but equally significant educational, cultural, and relationship-strengthening activities. All projects must demonstrate its capacity to build a stronger and healthier community, and must:

• Provide a public benefit and be free and open to all members of the public.
• Emphasize self-help, with project ideas initiated, planned and implemented by the neighbors and community members who will themselves be impacted by the project.
• Demonstrate community match.
• Occur within the Seattle city limits.

Japan Quake and Tsunami Disaster and Relief Information

Link to information about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, including how to find family and friends, and how you can help.

Technology Matching Fund

The Technology Matching Fund (the TMF) program, established in 1997, supports community's efforts to close the digital divide and encourage a technology-healthy city. The fund supports projects that reach technology underserved communities, thereby increasing digital inclusion. The City's goals are to:

• Increase technology literacy
• Provide residents with access to computers, the Internet and other information technology

·         Increase residents' use of technology for community problem solving, civic engagement, and community building

The program provides grants where the community's contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or cash is matched by the Technology Matching Fund. The fund is currently seeking applications for the 2011 grant round. Application will be accepted April 5 through May 18^th. The application and guidelines are available at Community Technology. See below for Grant Information Sessions:

April 9, Solid Grounds- 1501 N 45^th St Seattle WA, 10:30 a.m. to Noon

April 11, Douglas Truth Library-2300 Yesler Way Seattle WA, 10:30 a.m. to Noon

Native Plant Stewardship Training-Turn Education into Action in Your Own Community

The Washington Native Plant Stewardship Program is South Seattle is partnering with the City of Seattle to educate committed volunteers to help restore natural areas and parks within Seattle.  The 10-week training will be held on Fridays from April 29 through July 9^th (no class May 27^th or July 1^st).  There will be four Saturday classes.  The training is taught by top professionals on various topics such as native plants, habitat restoration and northwest ecology.  In exchange for this free training, stewards will commit to 100 hours of volunteer service implementing the skills learned in these classes on local restoration projects.  Class will be at Camp Long and Pritchard Beach.  The deadline to apply is April 10^th.  Visit www.wnps.org for application and additional information.

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

Explore Seattle's deep connections with Japan and celebrate the beauty of spring at the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, at Seattle Center on April 1-3.

Spring Clean

Spring Clean—held each year in April and May—is Seattle's premier clean up event. Spring Clean provides opportunities for citizens to clean up Seattle's public open spaces of their choice with city support, including planning assistance, gloves, safety vests, disposal bags, transfer station passes, and waste disposal. Typical volunteer projects include litter pick- ups, invasive plant removal, storm drain stenciling, graffiti removal, and general area beautification. Complete the signup form (doc) and e-mail to Gretchen Muller at gretchen.muller@...

City of Seattle Human Services Department Seeking Sites for Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program will be offered again this summer from Monday, June 27, 2011 to Friday, August 26. The program provides no-cost breakfasts, lunches and snacks for children and youth ages 1 through 18. The meals are served to children at approved sites where at least half the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches. For information about eligibility and to apply, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/summerfood. To apply, an agency must complete and return the application form found at the website as soon as possible but no later than April 1, 2011. For more information, please contact Javier Pulido, Program Coordinator, Human Services Department, at 206-386-1140 or javier.pulido@....

Spring Egg Hunt events at local Seattle Parks and Recreation sites

It’s time for spring egg hunts.  For more details on any of the spring egg hunts, please contact the facility directly.

Saturday, April 16

·          Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S Myrtle St.

Spring Pancake Social and Egg Hunt

All Ages

10 a.m. to noon

Join us for our spring Pancake Social and Egg Hunt! The cost for the pancake breakfast is $1 per person and $5 per family. The egg hunt is free.

Tuesday, April 19

·          High Point Community Center, 6920 34^th Ave. SW

Toddler Spring Eggstravaganza

Ages 2 – 5

10 a.m. to noon

Activity Fee: $5; please use #69489 in the SPARC registration system at www.seattle.gov/parks. Bring your little one for a morning of fun and activities, including a very special bunny visit especially for toddlers. There will be games, crafts for the children, and an egg hunt (11 a.m. sharp) with age-appropriate prizes.

Friday, April 22

·          Teens Only! Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Way SW

Teen Night Egg Hunt

Ages 12-18

8:15 p.m.

Free

Join us for the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle! Please remember your flashlight and goodie bag, and there will be prizes. We’ll serve a spaghetti dinner after the hunt. Please call 206 684-7441 for more information.

·          Teens Only! Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S

Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt

Ages 11- 17

8 p.m.

Free

Bring your own flashlight and hunt for the winning prize eggs that hold candy and games. We’ll have the hunt rain or ‘shine, so please remember to dress for the weather.

·          Teens Only! Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S Myrtle St.

Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt

7:45 p.m.

Ages 12 to 17

Free

Bring your flashlight and goodie

Saturday, April 23

·          Teens Only!  Southwest Teen Life Center, 2801 SW Thistle St.

Late Night Flashlight Egg Hunt

Ages 13-19

Free

Bring a flashlight and your sense of adventure--we’ll be searching for eggs. Find the most and win a prize!

9 p.m.

·          Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S

Spring Egg Hunt and Pancake Social

All Ages

9 a.m. to noon

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up goodies at our Spring Egg Hunt at or Van Asselt Community Center! All children 10 and younger are welcome, come rain or shine! This year we are also having a pancake breakfast before the start of the egg hunt, so make sure you are there bright and early! The cost per person for the Pancake Social is $3 for pancakes only, $4 for pancakes and sausage, and $5 for pancakes, sausage, and eggs. The spring egg hunt is free.

·          Rainier Community Center, 4600 38^th Ave. S

Spring Egg Hunt

Ages 10 and younger

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Free

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up goodies at our annual Spring Egg Hunt!   All children 1-10 welcome, come rain or shine!  After the egg hunt join us for other fun activities including a coloring contest.

Walk, Bike, Ride Challenge

Seattle’s Walk Bike Ride Challenge is a great way to walk, bike and use transit more often.

Be part of community of citizens making a difference by converting two or more car trips per week. Receive support via weekly emails with encouragement and tips to help you walk, bike and ride. Go online to track your progress and see the collective impact of all participants.

March /April participants can win these great prizes:

·          $100 REI gift certificate

·          $100 Zipcar gift certificate

·          Birthday party at Children’s Museum. ($175 value)

·          $25 gift certificate from Ballard Brothers Seafood and Burgers (Two winners)

Plus, you could win an end-of-year grand prize:

·          One night stay at the Pan Pacific Hotel in South Lake Union ($375 value)

·          An electric bike from e-Moto Electric Vehicles ($1,500 value)

To learn more or to register, click here.

Refrigerator Rebate from Seattle City Light

Appliances make up about 20 percent of your home’s electricity use. Seattle City Light’s appliance rebates can help you upgrade to more efficient models – saving you money and electricity for years to come. For more information, please go to http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/resident/appliances/

Free Tax Help at Seattle Public Libraries

The Seattle Public Library, AARP and United Way are collaborating to offer free tax preparation Jan. 18 through April 17 at 11 Library locations. This service is free and available to all individuals. The free service is not available for business tax returns.
Drop-in tax help is offered on a first come, first served basis. To schedule an appointment in advance, call or visit one of these Library locations: Ballard, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, Rainier Beach, or the Southwest Branch. Visit http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_current_featuresdetail&cid=1199922681334 for available times and locations.

Small Sparks Community Development Fund Available  

Do you have ideas for building community that could use up to $1000 from the City's Small Sparks program? Small Sparks seeks to bring together new people. The goal is to get new people involved in creative small-scale community building initiatives. If you have any ideas we would love to hear about them, and share information about the program with you! Email your ideas to any South Region Team members. Their contact information is available at http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nsc/coordinators.htm .

Southwest and Delridge

Delridge Green Up Day is April 16th!

Join your neighbors on April 16th at the Delridge Community Center for a little spring clean-up. Here are couple projects going on...1. Refresh the Welcome to Delridge Sign 2. Adopt-a-Street -Quarterly adopt a street trash pick-up on Delridge from Andover to Brandon Street.

Lafayette Playground Community Update Meeting

Lafayette Elementary’s Play it Forward Playground Legacy Project is pleased to announce that they are moving forward with the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods for the $100,000  matching fund. To keep the community and Lafayette Families informed of the progress, they are setting up a series of meeting.  Please mark your calendars and stop by.

Dates/times

Wednesday, April 27^th 7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 17 7-8 p.m.

Where: Lafayette Elementary School Library (2645 California Ave SW, enter through the lobby)

Help shape a new West Seattle transportation initiative!

King County Metro is hosting two transportation focus groups for West Seattle residents in April 2011.

King County Metro is bringing a new program to West Seattle in the Admiral, Alaska, and Morgan Junction. The focus groups are designed to help shape a new program to increase the number of people walking, biking, taking the bus, and carpooling in and out of West Seattle.

The focus groups will be hosted on the following days/times:

·          April 5^th, Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42^nd Ave SW 6 pm to 7:30 pm

·          April 6^th, Gatewood Elementary, 4320 SW Myrtle St, 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Participants will receive a 2011 Chinook Book a guide to living well and having fun in the Puget Sound good for savings of up to $3000 at local businesses.  Food and beverage will be provided. Space is limited. Reserve your spot at www.westseattletalks.org or by calling Derrick Van Kirk 206-652-2310 or emailing derrick@...

Greater Duwamish District

Duwamish Alive

April 16- Earth Day

Join a thousand volunteers at 13 sites within the Duwamish River watershed. Help remove invasive weeds, remove trash or plant native species in restoration sites. Sites in Georgetown and South Park include the 8th Avenue South/Gateway Park project, hosted by CleanScapes, Seattle Parks, and the Georgetown Community Council (the site is down the street across from the Coliman Restaurant) and the river trash cleanup by kayak and canoe, hosted by Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, DRCC, Alki Kayak Tours, and ECOSS (the site is at 7900 10th Avenue South in South Park.) Volunteers are needed at both sites, you can RSVP by sending an email to: contact@...  All ages welcome and no experience necessary; children 10 and under need one-on-one supervision. Volunteers receive all training, tool safety, coffee and snacks. Sign up today! More information: www.duwamishalive.org or (206) 923-0853 and ask for Amy Truax.

Beacon Idol Audition

We will again host “Beacon Idol”, auditions for BEACON ROCKS, during regular Open Mic’s at Kusina Filipina, 3201 Beacon Avenue South, April 2 &16. Contact beaconrocks@... to schedule your audition or submit a recording for consideration.

What's New Along the Duwamish River?

The Rriverwide Superfund cleanup (Feasibility Study)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WA Department of Ecology have provided a comment "response" to the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group (LDWG) on the Riverwide cleanup of the Duwamish River (also known as a Feasibility Study).  DRCC and many communities, business, and other organizations gave comments back in December 2010, which are now part of the EPA's comment letter. DRCC and our technical consultants are tracking the Riverwide Superfund cleanup very closely, and we and EPA welcome additional comments or concerns from the community at any time. We will be making updates to the communities on a regular basis as the process moves forward. More information on the Duwamish River cleanup plan can be found on our web site, please click here. Please send comments or questions to: james@...

The Boeing Plant 2 building cleanup in progress!

You may have noticed that some of the old Boeing Plant 2 building has been demolished. This is the first step to clean up and restore the site. The Boeing Company will pay to remove the contaminated mud from the river and in the upland areas below the old facility. This is currently the river's most toxic site, and its cleanup will be a huge step forward for the river's cleanup and restoration process. DRCC/TAG will be reviewing the proposed cleanup plan by the deadline on May 28th. We want to hear your comments and questions: james@... / 206-954-0218

Boeing Plant 2 Public Meeting!

Wednesday, April 27th from 6-9pm at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Avenue South)

Meeting information:

Shawn Blocker, the EPA Project Manager for the site, will present an overview of the cleanup process and take questions from the audience, followed by public comments. 

Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available during the meeting. Food and childcare will be provided.

1st Annual Bark for South Park Pet Fair

If you are a pet lover, please join us on April 9^th at the dog park for South Park’s 1^st Annual “Bark for South Park”.  There will be free samples for your pets, drawings, and give-a-way.  Come enjoy the fun.  See the attached flyer.  Tell your friends enjoy the day.  If you have any questions or want to help organize feel free to call Kathy @ 206- 767-5695.

Georgetown Garden Walk
Save the Date!
Sunday April 17th @ The Stables
Come support the spectacular Georgetown Garden Walk!
More details to come, but get it on your calendar now! Come help raise some money for this amazing event.

Southeast District

Plate of Nations • March 27th - April 9th, 2011

MLK Jr. Way S. is home to Seattle’s best, independently owned ethnic eateries. Hankering for some Chinese dim sum, a Vietnamese fish sandwich, Somali goat shawarma, Cajun style crawfish, or Mexican huaraches and a margarita? MLK has it. 
Come taste the rich flavors these local restaurants offer at the first-ever Plate of Nations event. From March 27 – April 9, Plate of Nations will draw food lovers and urban adventurers to sample the authentic international cuisine offered by some of the best restaurants in the heart of the Rainier Valley, one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the country.
During this two-week event, twelve participating MLK restaurants will offer special $15 and $25 meal deals. Visit the website for menus and details.  www.plateofnations.com  

Equitable Growth Dialogues

Please join Great City on Saturday, April 2 for the Equitable Growth Dialogues, a series of probing community dialogues concerning regional growth, urban development and entrenched inequalities in Southeast Seattle. As Southeast has seen massive re-investment in the last decade many residents see significant positives including safer streets, new residential investment and increased livability, but the area has also faced significant new challenges including displacement, gentrification and unequal access to opportunities. Join your neighbors in engaging in a series of robust, thoughtful dialogues about how new investments in Southeast can help shape an inclusive and equitable path forward with shared prosperity for people, the economy and the environment. The day will include a keynote address by Jeff Pace of the Unity council in Oakland California and a series of panel discussions about various aspects of development in Southeast. Please join us for the full afternoon or just drop in for a few sessions as your schedule allows. Daycare, translation and lunch will be provided.

WHEN: Saturday, April 2^nd 12:00 – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Franklin High School, 3013 S Mt Baker Blvd

AGENDA

12:00 – 1:00    Lunch & keynote address

Jeff Pace from the Unity Council in Oakland, California will tell the story of the development of the Fruitvale Village, a successful mixed use, transit oriented development in a socioeconomically diverse neighborhood.

Sponsored by Great City with support from The Bullitt Foundation

3^rd Annual Bridge to Beach All Valley Clean Up Day

The third annual Bridge to Beach All Valley Earth Day Makeover will be held on Sunday May 1st 2011. The Rainier Valley will be awash with activity and celebration as hundreds of people from neighborhood groups, youth organizations, and businesses participate in a coordinated effort of getting dirty in order to clean up streets, parks, gardens and planting strips.  By the end of the day, our neighborhoods will look better as we celebrate the spring and pay homage to our planet.  During the 2010 Bridge to Beach Makeover, with over 250 participants, there was a flurry of trash collecting, graffiti removal, flower planting, weeding, mowing and a host of beautification efforts from one end of the Valley to the other.  Anyone can pick a project, such as clearing out a junky briar choked vacant lot or working on a traffic circle that needs tending, just form a team and register by April 25^th .  Bridge to Beach participants can create their own project, or join an already organized team.  To join an already organized team contact the organizers listed below or check www.sngi.org.  The City of Seattle will provide trash grabbers, gloves, trash bags, and garbage pick up to get the jobs done.   For more information or to register: Nhi Tran at 206-322-6134 or via email at nhi@... ;Yun Pitre at 206-386-1924 or via email at yun.pitre@...; Online at http://www.sngi.org/registration_b2b.php   

World Dance Party- Show Up and Get Down

Saturday, April 30th, 2011

6:03pm to 10:17pm

Central Area Senior Center-500 30th Avenue South, Seattle 98144

World Dance Party is coming up on April 30^th in the evening, and it’s the most fun you can possibly have without being arrested.  It’s FREE and completely STRESS-FREE. Bring a dish to share with your neighbors. There is no programming, no fundraising. JUST FOOD, DANCING, and FUN. World Dance Party is a community building event, bringing people of different ages and cultures together through dance and food.  Here are some great pictures of the last World Dance Party held on November 6^th http://www.stormsphoto.com/Events/SE-Senior-Center-World-Dance/14753107_YyPVF#1099549304_X9xWG . Please help spread the work by letting your friends know.

Yun Pitre

Neighborhood District Coordinator

South Region Team

Department of Neighborhoods

206-386-1924(office) or 206-730-0364(cell)

yun.pitre@... or don_southregion@...

For your information.

King County Wastewater Treatment Division will be hosting a community meeting for West Seattle neighbors to discuss the Barton Basin CSO-GSI Project. See attached meeting notice.

·         Wednesday, April 6
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Westside School
7740 34^th Avenue SW

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Maryann

(206) 263-7321

____________________

Maryann Petrocelli

Community Relations Planner

King County Dept. of Natural Resources & Parks

Wastewater Treatment Division

201 S. Jackson Street, KSC-NR-0505

Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 263-7321