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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

• 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)

From SDOT:

Bicyclists will be detoured during sidewalk closures. Bicyclists may use the Fremont Bridge or may cross the ship canal at the Ballard Locks.  (The sidewalks are too narrow to accommodate bicycle traffic in two directions on the same sidewalk.)

Last year, SDOT painted the Ballard Bridge approaches (the raised roadways at each end of the bridge). This year SDOT is painting the bascule part of the bridge, which is the portion of the bridge that opens and closes for marine traffic. SDOT’s annual bridge painting program provides for the periodic painting of each of the city’s 20 structural steel bridges. The painting helps protect the steel surfaces on the bridges from corrosion and other weather deterioration.

Mounger is one of only two outdoor pools in Seattle, and it combines a regular pool with a warm wading pool.  This season on Friday nights (beginning next week), it will hold Friday Family Fun nights (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) with themed events such as Rock and Roll Party, Outrageous Animal Safari, Art on Deck, and Pirate Pool Party.

Mounger Pool is located at 2535 32nd Ave. W, and it will be open daily until September 9, 2012.

Fairview Avenue N and  Valley Street will have nighttime lane restrictions until May 11. One northbound turn lane from the  Mercer Street off-ramps onto Fairview Avenue N will be closed during this time.  Traffic turning left from Fairview Avenue N onto Valley Street will be  restricted to one lane as crews complete potholing and underground utility work.  One westbound lane will remain open on Valley Street. Night work will occur from  8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Park for free in Crawford, Ross, and Dravus parking lots. The theater is wheelchair accessible.

I live on a street right near the village in Magnolia and drive 6 blocks to the bus stop and park there to take the bus to work. It seems my neighbors are forbidding me to park on their public street. Well when I bought my house I knew that it was right by the Village and people would park in front of my house. Seems like they don’t have the same thought process. Check out this letter that was put on my windshield today:

Hit and run (Saturday) on 28th (Barrett & Dravus), right before 7am.  A Hummer was rear-ended.  No one was hurt.  Driver/passenger of the white El Camino fled the scene heading south on 28th.  Teenagers/early 20s.  One wearing a gray hoodie.

A Magnolia Voice news-tipper says there are RV’s and other vehicles parked in Magnolia with people living in them. Police issue tickets, but the vehicles return. Play the video story here.

Additionally, Metro has sent out the following:

Tuesday’s May Day activities in and around downtown Seattle are changing rapidly and expected to cause traffic and transit service disruptions and delays until after the evening rush hour. During this event, it is expected that all traffic – including transit service – could be affected by minor to possibly significant delays and disruptions on local surface streets, as well as in the downtown Transit Tunnel, nearby freeways, and areas outside of the downtown core. There are no pre-planned bus reroutes during this event, however bus riders are  encouraged to be aware of conditions and use caution in their immediate area; watch media reports; board or exit buses south of S Jackson St or north of Pike and Pine streets, use transit service in the downtown Transit Tunnel or change travel plans to avoid the affected area. It is not possible to predict specific schedule, route or bus stop impacts, and conditions are changing rapidly.

During this afternoon’s peak travel time, Metro will provide updates via its ‘Eye on Your Metro Commute’ blog and kcmetrobus on Twitter. Transit Alerts may be sent, depending on the nature of a significant impact, but may not be used for frequent updates.

Additionally, due to many factors, schedule or service disruptions in one area can cause delays in other areas. Metro’s primary concern is to operate safely at all times. As long as it is safe to do, Metro makes every effort to operate service according to regular routes and schedules. Routes and schedules may change based on situations beyond Metro’s control.

Your patience is appreciated during events that disrupt service. Visit Metro’s online Trip Planner to find out how to get to and from events and locations. The Trip Planner uses scheduled  service information and does not reflect service revisions due to events, construction, traffic or weather.

As part of its commitment to making our schools and community safer, Seattle Public Schools is partnering with the Nick of Time Foundation to host free youth heart screenings on Wednesday, May 2, at Roosevelt High School. All students between the ages of 14-24 years are eligible for a screening, regardless of enrollment status. According to the American Heart Association, one in every 350 young people has an undetected heart condition. The best way to detect these conditions is through a heart screening using an ECG (electrical test) and Echocardiograms (ultrasound) of the heart. The test is painless and takes about 25 minutes. Athletes especially are encouraged to sign up for a cardiac screening.

More information, including forms and instructions, is available online at www.nickoftimefoundation.org. To pre-register your child for a screening, email appt@nickoftimefoundation.org.

Nick of Time Foundation- FREE Youth Heart Screening

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

1410 NE 66th St.
Seattle, WA 98115

For appointments, please contact: Ms. Johnson at the Roosevelt High School counselor’s office. Phone: (206) 252-4827. Email: lljohnson1@seattleschools.org

Thanks to the 2008 Parks levy, $15 million was allocated for communities to develop new parks. $7 million has already been allocated, but another $8 million is available in the 2012-13 cycle.

Project proposal letters are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 11, and full project applications are due by 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 17.

Parks Department officials will help applicants at a workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. Check out the Parks Department’s online application system, which includes templates for proposal letters and applications, a detailed timeline, criteria, and analysis maps.

In a phone conversation today, the Menchie’s Corporate office confirmed they don’t have an exact opening date for the store- but said it should be around two months.

Door to door

The magazine crews are back in the neighborhood this afternoon. Homeowners are asked to order publications which the sellers say will, “get people jobs in the Central area,” according to a Magnolia resident who spoke with the men. As of 1PM Saturday, there were two salesmen knocking on doors, delivering their pitch to residents.

My name is Matt Campbell and I am a resident of Magnolia.  My son Matty was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 2 years ago. He and his classmate Patrick Scott, who is also a type 1 diabetic,  have formed a team (The MighT1′s, which also includes their friend Kelten) for the Beat the Bridge race…an annual event put on by Nordstrom and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to support JDRF in it’s efforts to find a cure for diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes, also known as “juvenile diabetes,” is an autoimmune disease whereby something has caused the body to stop making insulin, a hormone necessary for converting food into energy. No one knows what exactly causes it: only 10% of people  diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have a family member with the disease. Until a cure is found, it is a permanent condition that must be carefully monitored with frequent blood sugar checks and insulin injections either using an insulin pump or syringes. (Most people are more familiar with type 2 diabetes. With type 2, the body still produces insulin, but is not able to use it effectively without the help of medication and, in some cases, additional insulin.)

This is the second year that Matty and Patrick have teamed up together.  Their former pre-K teacher at the Magnolia Co-Op, Judy McEvoy, upon hearing about their team decided to do a fundraiser at her Yoga Studio to support the team. I have reached out to a number of the businesses in the Village for items for a raffle and they have been incredibly supportive because it is such a wonderful cause… People’s Bank, Umpqua Bank, The Village Pub and Menchies have either given us an item or hung a beat the bridge poster or both.  I am calling this undertaking “It Takes a Village.”  It’s community supported events like this that make me very glad to live in Magnolia.

The 1 great thing about Type 1 diabetes is the tangibility of the results over the last 20 years.  JDRF’s main goal is to cure Diabetes, but their secondary goal is the improve the lives of Type 1 diabetics and the progress that is being made right now, because of the fundraising, is incredible.  On the horizon is the artificial pancreas! The bottom line is, there are (unfortunately) hundreds of worthy causes, but this is one where we are seeing direct results right before our eyes… As a parent of a T1D it is truly amazing and inspiring!

Patrick

Village Yoga is proud to host a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in support of Team Matty, Patrick & Kelton, “The MighT1′s”.  This is a family yoga event on May 6th, 2-3:30p. Kids 4+ are welcome. Cost per family will be $20 at the door.