By Almeera Anwar

A group of women in the Quest Life Together Women’s Group from Interbay is hosting a free documentary screening this Friday at the Q Café (3233 15th Ave W., south of the Ballard Bridge) in hopes of sparking some dialogue and awareness around the issue of girl bullying. The documentary is called “Finding Kind” and it addresses girls bullying other girls. (View the trailer here)

It was produced by two filmmakers from Seattle, Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, and has been viewed in schools, hosted screenings, and numerous film festivals. The film discusses how girl bullying is different than other kinds of harassment and this women’s group truly believes that the response needs to reflect those differences.

Christina Olson is a Ballard resident and a member of the Quest Church women’s group that raised the $500 licensing fee in order to put on this free screening. The group of about ten to fifteen women raised the money through a variety of means such as donations, babysitting, the Good Neighbor fund and spreading the word about the project at large.

“Every year our group takes on a project or a series of projects that we think will benefit the community,” said Olson. “Someone brought up this documentary, asked how we would feel about doing the screening and it quickly evolved into our project for this year.”

Olson thinks that people were extra generous with this project because it’s an issue that so many people can relate to. “Many women have been victims of bullying and this documentary focuses on how bullying within girls is very different than with boys,” said Olson. “It does not diminish what happens to boys but the actions definitely manifest differently in adulthood for girls.” Some of the women in the group are teachers and they discussed how they witness this bullying every day. While there are some things they can do, there is a lot that is out of their scope as well.

The group will be hosting a guided discussion after the film. The filmmakers have created a curriculum that can be used to help guide dialogue. Some of the women from the group will speak during this discussion, including Olson, and will be sharing their own experiences with bullying and how it can relate to later issues.

The goal is not to put people on the spot, but rather to open the dialogue and share thoughts on this issue. If people are interested in attending the screening and discussion after they need to RSVP ahead of time in order for the group to ensure they have room for all that wish to attend.

Mayor Mike McGinn announced today that 34 community organizations will receive more than $500,000 in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the city. 2 projects in Magnolia and one in Interbay are the lucky recipients of the The Neighborhood Matching Fund Program money, (which supports projects as diverse as community fruit harvests to neighborhood festivals). The city says

The Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds managed by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides cash awards of up to $20,000 in matching funds to neighborhood organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. The 2012 awards ranged from $4,200 to $20,000, and the organizations have pledged to match the City’s $534,666 contribution with resources valued at nearly $760,123. Recipients of the Neighborhood Matching Fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor.

“These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of community members working together to improve their neighborhood,” says Mayor Mike McGinn. “Whether the projects are for physical improvements or a community celebration, the benefit of this program is the connection and engagement of neighbors and the broader community.”

The City figures on average, volunteers give $1.45 of donations and sweat equity for every $1 of taxpayer support: “There’s a reason why the Neighborhood Matching Fund is being replicated by other cities the country. This fund provides another reason for neighbors to get together and it allows them to create a vision to improve their neighborhood and it helps implement that vision. It’s the building block for community projects,” says Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.  Bernie Matsuno, director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, says “The Neighborhood Matching Fund has been emulated by cities all over the world. And what makes it so successful is the
connection and engagement that happens when neighbors work together to make improvements in their community.”

The Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $49 million with a community match of more than $71 million, since its inception 24 years ago. During that time, more than 85,600 volunteers have donated over 573,000 work hours.

Magnolia Projects to receive matching funds:

Magnolia’s First P-Patch

Construct the first 30 plots of the new P-Patch community garden at Magnolia Manor  Park. With more than 100 Magnolians on the waiting list for a garden, the P-Patch meets a community need and will serve as a focal point for community interaction.

Organization: Friends of Magnolia Manor Park

Amount Awarded: $20,000

Match Amount: $22,900
Heron Viewing Improvements in Kiwanis Ravine

Improve heron viewing in the Kiwanis Ravine from public access points. Using a consultant, identify potential public access points and selective tree pruning, while maintaining neighbor privacy and without disturbance to the heron. Enhanced viewing by increased webcam broadcasts will also be studied, including viewing stations with webcam monitors placed at the visitor centers at the Ballard Locks and Discovery Park.
Organization: Heron Habitat Helpers

Amount Awarded: $16,500

Match Amount: $8,580

Interbay:

Interbay Path Link to Ship Canal Trail

Construct a spur trail off 16th Ave. W to go north on a city right -of-way to the Ship Canal Trail. The project will reduce bike and pedestrian congestion on Dravus and create a safe access point for residents and workers needing to go north and east out of Interbay.

Organization: Interbay Neighborhood Association

Amount Awarded: $19,700

Match Amount: $21,700

For a complete listing of the 2012 Spring Small and Simple award recipients, click here

1,300 volunteers will donate over 4,500 hours of service to at least 3 different service projects on May 19 for Seattle Works Day.  Organized by the local nonprofit Seattle Works, the projects will be happening simultaneously throughout Seattle from noon to 3:30pm.

There are 2 chances to help out, right here in our own backyard: mulching, weeding and watering the cedar saplings of  the Lion’s Club Cedar grove planted last fall in Discovery Park, and restoring the habitat of the Kiwanis Ravine to “native” status with the Heron Habitat Helpers.

You can sign up for the public team, or start your own team of friends and colleagues. Team sizes range from 5 to 250+ members. After the day of doing good, volunteers are invited to meet up at Seattle Center for the after party hosted by Seattle Works.

Bevin Wong of Seattle Works says “Last year, 81% of participants said they were inspired to do more in the community as a result of Seattle Works Day. It may just be one day, but it does make an impact – and you can be part of that!” Seattle Works is still accepting teams and individual volunteers. Please visit www.seattleworks.com/signup or contact Bevin Wong (206.324.0808 x6 or bevin@seattleworks.org) to get involved.

The Magnolia Historical Society and The Queen Anne Historical Society invite you to attend their joint Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 24th, starting at 7:00 p.m. at Seattle Church of Christ, 2555 8th Ave. W. (corner of West Halladay Street):

Longtime favorite shop of many Magnolia pet owners, PJ Paws and Claws will close its doors on June 30th.  In an open letter to our neighborhood, owner Patti writes the following:

Dear friends of PJ’s Paws and Claws,

More than a decade ago, we created a special neighborhood place for people who love dogs and cats. It is a place for folks to learn about pet care and nutrition, find fun and engaging toys, purchase delicious and healthy treats and celebrate the companionship of dogs and cats. Two years into our adventure, we added a pet grooming salon with comprehensive services from professional and caring groomers. After tens of thousands of pounds of premium pet food, thousands of pet toys and treats, hundreds of pet beds and cat scratching posts, ten pet parades and costume contests and one constant stream of beautifully groomed pets, it is time to say goodbye. PJ’s Paws and Claws will close June 30, 2012.

The retail pet industry, like many others, has evolved over the last decade. Pet owners now have extensive resources from which to learn about pet care. The Internet has become the place customers usually go first to find answers about pet health and nutrition. Mass market retailers, regional pet supply chains and even warehouse clubs have recognized the opportunity, and now offer better merchandise than before. Internet retailers offer low prices and free shipping on many pet supplies. The economic downturn has forced many families in our community to change their shopping habits — for themselves and for their pets. Consequently, the niche of the independent pet retailer is closing.

While PJ’s Paws and Claws retail store will close, we are happy to announce our grooming salon was sold. It will re-open in July, in a new Magnolia Village location. The new grooming salon, named Magnolia Paw Spa, will feature the same exceptional grooming services you came to love at PJ’s. Keep an eye out for more information about Magnolia Paw Spa as their grand opening draws nearer. PJ’s Paws and Claws was intended to be a ten year adventure. When customers at PJ’s asked, “How are you today?”, Patti’s answer was usually, “I’m living the dream. How about you?” Boy, did we enjoy the ride. It was better than we could have ever imagined. Thank you again for ten purrfect years and for allowing us to be a part of the Magnolia community. In addition to forming friendships with many wonderful pets and their families, we had the opportunity to work with some of our area’s amazing pet rescue and adoption agencies. Please continue to support them in the future.

Wags and purrs,

Patti, Jelly & Puddin’

If you have PJ’s Wags to redeem, now is the time to do it. They will accept them through Thursday, May 31st, and the program will be suspended June 1. They want to thank all of their loyal customers who participated in the PJ’s Wags Rewards Program, saying “We gave away loads of merchandise and services to our Wags members and enjoyed doing it!”

Dancing "dolls"

Set in colorful Times Square in the 1940′s, Guys and Dolls Jr (the “Jr” means the show is school-age appropriate) is populated by missionaries, dancing girls, gangsters and cops. As the show begins, Nathan Detroit is desperately  trying to find a place for his floating craps game, despite the protests of Adelaide, his fiancee of 14 years, who wants him to quit gambling and marry her. Hilarity ensues as these characters and others (including an uptight missionary “doll” and a mega bucks high-roller) sing and dance their way through this classic Broadway musical.

Guys and Dolls Jr.” will be performed in the Our Lady of Fatima School Gym (3301 West Dravus Street | Seattle, WA 98199) Thursday, May 17 at 4:00pm, Friday, May 18 7:00 p.m and on Saturday, May 19 at 7:00pm.
Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the Door. To purchase tickets in advance, contact Meaghan at 206-285-2053.

The Blaine PTA invites parents to turn out for Tuesday, May 15th’s meeting to vote on the PTA budget and officers for next year. Members are encouraged to speak up and “make your voice heard on how we spend the money raised for Blaine.” The meeting starts at 7:00 in the library.

If you are looking for something fun to do this afternoon, check out the Magnolia Theater School of Drama’s final performance of the classic musical Bye Bye Birdie, at 4:00 pm at The United Church of Christ,  3555 West McGraw.  Tickets are $10, and are available at the door 30 minutes before curtain. The show is appropriate for ages 5 and up. They request no “babes in arms”.  Click here for more information.

by Meghan Walker

On Saturday, May 12, the 36th District state legislators will be at a town hall to meet constituents. Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson and Rep. Reuven Carlyle will be at the Greenwood Senior Center (525 N. 85th St.) to talk about the 2012 legislative sessions and to answer questions. The town hall is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and coffee will be provided.

The closure is scheduled to begin Friday at 11:00 p.m. and end Monday at 5:00 a.m. During the closure, crews will be installing storm drainage infrastructure, completing electrical work to accommodate future lighting and signals, and laying concrete and asphalt in preparation for the widened on- and off-ramps at Mercer Street. This work is dependent on weather and the availability of materials, and is subject to cancellation. Please note that all South Lake Union businesses will remain open and be accessible via alternative routes. Detour route maps are available on the project website at: www.seattle.gov/Transportation/ppmp_mercer.htm. Detour routes shown will be signed on roadways and may be heavily used, particularly Denny Way both eastbound and westbound. During the ramps closure, the I-5 on-ramp at University Street will be concurrently closed to provide more efficient traffic flow around the closed Mercer Street exit lane. Fairview Avenue N will also be closed between Mercer Street and Valley Street, and Mercer Street will be closed to through traffic between Westlake Avenue N and Fairview Avenue N. Travelers are encouraged to carpool and use alternate modes of transportation.

Click here for more information on the Mercer Corridor Project.

It should be a beautiful day on Saturday…so swing by the 17th Annual Katie McKay Plant Sale at Our Lady of Fatima School. The plant sale is from from 10a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and will be in the school parking lot at 3301 West Dravus Street. Proceeds benefit the Association for Catholic Childhood, which provides funding and advocacy for children and families in need.

Umpqua Bank and the Rotary Club of Magnolia will have a commercial shredding truck in the Village between 31st and 32nd ave W. on W. McGraw (the parking lot in front of Queen Margherita Pizza), tomorrow, May 12, from, 10 AM to 1 PM. All residences and businesses are invited to bring their important papers to be professionally shredded.   Donations go to Magnolia Rotary Foundation which returns 85% of its income to the Magnolia Community.  Shredding  is available first come first serve and a $10 donation per box is suggested.   All items are mulched and recycled. Questions? info@magnoliarotary.org

The show is appropriate for kids and there will be treats sold at intermission. Please come out and support Blaine for a night of theatrical fun!

Captain Joe Kessler, Seattle Police Department West Precinct Commander and staff invite the Magnolia neighborhood to join them tonight for a crime update meeting.  They plan to cover the following topics:

• crime statistics and trends
• crime prevention – what you can do
• door-to-door solicitations
• neighborhood block watch programs

Magnolia Community Club General Meeting

Tonight, May 10th :  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Catharine Blaine School LIBRARY (2550 34^th Avenue West – Next to the Magnolia Community Center)