Winter 2019-20
A Publication of the Phinney Neighborhood The Review Association Events, classes, and stories for Northwest Seattle neighbors
Fun in PhinneyWood: GloCone & Monkey Lighting Winter Festival & Crafts Fair PhinneyWood Phestivus
In this issue: PNA’s new leader Business & community Tips for walking at night Local authors’ inspirations Connecting families & seniors
Phinney Neighborhood Association • 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 • 206.783.2244 • phinneycenter.org Winter 2019-20
A Publication of the Phinney Neighborhood The Review Association Inside This Issue Phestive family fun 4 Monkey around at the 'hood's holiday party Millions for seniors 6 Find out how levy will improve elders' lives A new leader Meet PNA's new 6 Executive Director Staying safe 7 Learn tips to walk in dark winter evenings Seattle spark 8 Discover local authors' northwest inspirations Once a month, players show up at Couth Buzzard for friendly games of Mexican-train dominoes and always support the bookstore by buying a beverage. Photo by Connie McDougall Makers and music Experience the beloved 11 The business of building community Winter Festival & Crafts Fair Meet your local 12 Much-loved bookstore brings people together; business owners hangs on in changing neighborhood Plus business updates 13 by Connie McDougall says. “I fell in love with the place. The operates on a shoestring. “It’s a Terry Hudgens moved to Seattle first time I went in, I bought all of the constant challenge with expenses Senior highlights with her family three years ago, Amy Tan books. After reading them, I always going up. Rents go up,” he 14 having just a single friend in the area. brought them back for store credit. It’s says. “We’re making it month-to- Greenwood Senior Center Not intimidated by the Seattle Freeze a warm, welcoming space.” month. I can pay my staff and give bustles with activities for 17 mythology, she set about finding her Terry notes that Couth Buzzard myself a tiny income but we’re adults of all ages tribe, in part, by hosting Mexican- is an anachronism in a changing surviving, not thriving.” train domino games at Greenwood’s neighborhood. “It’s such a carry over He notes that while gathering Adopt-a-Grand Couth Buzzard Books, located at 8310 18 from the past—it has a ‘60s vibe— spaces are always free, “We do ask Connect generations Greenwood Ave. N. with all the high-rises going up.” Yet, that people support us by buying with a new program This iconic neighborhood gathering she adds, it has a timeless feel and something.” spot sells new and used books, offers purpose. One plan to make it more profitable free meeting space for a variety of “It serves such a diverse community. is to get younger folks in the door. “I Give of yourself 19 groups, musicians, authors and more, They have scout meetings there, try to bring in younger musical acts, Volunteer opportunities plus feeds the soul with an eclectic authors read from their new books, there’s an open-mic night, and we’ve menu that covers all the basics— all kinds of musical groups perform. had stand-up comedy,” Theo says. including coffee, wine, bagels, pizza, It’s hard for me to get that big back “We might have a trivia night. The Learn and grow 20 plus homemade soups and brownies. room for dominoes because it’s often thing is, we don’t want to divide up Winter class schedule “I heard about Couth Buzzard booked up.” the generations. This is for everyone.” 22 from a friend who told me that it’s And yet, in spite of the bookstore’s her home away from home,” Terry loyal following, owner Theo Dzielak Continued on page 9 The Review Winter 19-20 - Vol. 33, No. 1 From the Board President Published quarterly by the Phinney Neighborhood Association 6532 Phinney Ave N How do you replace an Executive and commitment to issues such as Seattle, WA 98103 Director (ED) like Lee Harper? Slowly, diversity, equity, and inclusion. And Phone: 206.783.2244 Web: phinneycenter.org collaboratively, and deliberately! Amanda Froh, again, each step involved teams of Hiring a new ED is the board’s most PNA Board staff, board, and community transition Circulation: 20,000 important responsibility. team members. President Publisher: Lee Harper In May, when Lee announced her Although all 11 candidates who plans to pursue other opportunities, were interviewed in person were Editor: Ana Maria King the board immediately got to work to and nationally, we were rewarded with highly qualified, three exceptional Copy Editing: Emily Mack fill her shoes. a deep candidate pool representing finalists emerged. The PNA hired Crux, a local different ages, races, genders, and The full board interviewed each Proofreading: Ann Bowden, Susie Hutchins consulting firm specializing in working ethnicities. finalist at a special meeting on Oct. 29. with non-profits, to help develop and By the end of August, we received Following deliberations, the board Desktop Publishing: Ana manage the process for selecting and well over 100 applications. Our chose Dar’Nesha Weary for the position. Maria King, Ruthie MacDonald recruiting her replacement. transition team divided into four Dar’Nesha will begin at the PNA Contributing Writers: We assembled a transition team teams of two, each consisting of a on December 2. (See page 6 to learn R. Bauermeister, A. Burnett, consisting of four board members (the board member and a staff person, to about Dar’Nesha.) L. Chow, J. Durand, P. Freeman, officers), four PNA staff members, and evaluate those resumes. The board is extremely grateful A. Froh, AM King, J. Jones, two members of the community to When disagreements arose, our to the PNA staff and community C. Mack, C. Maykut, get the work done. two community members helped to participants who dedicated an C. McDougall, C. Paine, We developed a job description resolve issues. extraordinary amount of time and K. Rava, B. Thorness to reflect not only the many We followed resume screening by thoughtfulness to this process. responsibilities of the ED but also phone interviews (of the top 25), and We are especially indebted to all Ad Sales: Ruthie MacDonald the wide range of strengths and skills in-person interviews (of the top 11). members of the PNA family who will 206.783.2244, phinneycenter.org/ needed to be successful. At each step, we developed welcome our new ED into her role, and review/advertise By posting and sharing the questions to learn more about the who will work with her to ensure the Cover photo: Mike Veitenhans announcement widely, both locally candidate’s experience, approach, continued success of the organization.
The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Page 1 About The Review newspaper About PNA Founded in 1980 by community The Review is published by Phinney Neighborhood Association members, the mission of the Phinney (PNA) four times per year. It includes articles of interest to Neighborhood Association (PNA) is Northwest Seattle—particularly Phinney and Greenwood, to build, engage, and support our What does Phinney Neighborhood updates on local businesses, as well as events, programs, diverse community through programs, Association do for YOU? and classes at the Phinney Center and Greenwood Senior services, and activities that connect Center. The Review is mailed directly to PNA members and neighbors and foster civic engagement all residents in Phinney/Greenwood. It's also available at the in Northwest Seattle. This includes... CONNECT & ENGAGE Phinney Center, the Greenwood Senior Center, local libraries, Meet and mingle at events, and online at phinneycenter.org/review. Events and community gatherings groups, and volunteer Events ranging from beer tastes and opportunities. Get support and book swaps to holiday celebrations camaraderie with programs at the Greenwood Senior Center and PNA Village. Classes and activities Classes and groups for all ages on a wide range of subjects and interests LEARN Room rentals Take a class at the Phinney The space you need for all types of Center or Greenwood Senior events and gatherings Center, join one of four preschool co-ops Greenwood Senior Center or Whittier Kids licensed childcare or Services and support for seniors, preschool, or check out a book group. plus activities and classes adults of all ages can enjoy PNA Village BORROW Helping older residents stay in their As a PNA Member, get access homes and community as they age to the Tool Library and borrow Phinney Farmers Market instead of buy. Plus, get free Fresh, local produce and goods each heirloom seeds at the King County summer in partnership with Seattle Seed Library, open to all. Neighborhood Farmers Markets Hot Meal Program GATHER Nutritious meals in a welcoming Rent space for all types of Become a PNA Member! setting, three times each week get-togethers, from meetings You can also join online at phinneycenter.org/membership Tool Lending Library and classes to parties and reunions. The tools you need to get the job New Member Renewal done right, plus referrals, classes, and Donation (already a member) the monthly Fixers' Collective meetup SAVE Looking for a great holiday gift? King County Seed Library As a PNA Member, get discounts A PNA Membership truly opens the door to our community! A library of heirloom varieties to on events, classes, copies, and Visit phinneycenter.org/gift to give the gift of community. complete your garden faxes. Plus, get free notary service. Community Woodshop Name(s) Learn woodworking in a class or use What does Phinney Neighborhood the space for your own project Association do for your COMMUNITY? Address Preschool Co-ops Four parent-run preschools, including events City State Zip Spanish and Japanese language 68 bilingual programs & classes at Phinney Center Telephone: Home Cell Whittier Kids Play-based preschool, and licensed before- and after-school care, and 10,000+ Email(s) summer camps at Whittier Elementary attendees PNA membership is tax deductible! PNA Business Group Indicate your level of support; write in the amount in the Supporting, networking, and promoting local businesses 29,986 appropriate space.
Individual $40-$99 Household $70-$99 Phinney Center Gallery visits to the Phinney Farmers Rotating works by local artists Market each season, with our PNA Funder $100 and up Pay what you can partnership with Seattle Volunteer program For Village and Business membership, go to Neighborhood Farmers Markets Connecting interests with rewarding phinneycenter.org/membership or call 206.783.2244 opportunities Enclosed is a check (payable to PNA) for $______. Please charge $______to Visa MC AmEx Stay up-to-date 16,000 Would you like to know what's free meals served to Pay credit card fees (3.5%) going on with events, classes, job those in need each year opportunities, and programs? Account # ______Exp. Date: ______• Subscribe to email news: phinneycenter.org/signup Signature: ______Security Code: ____ • Visit our events and class calendar: 559 phinneycenter.org/calendar kids enrolled in preschool COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES: • Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ PNA monthly newsletter: co-ops and licensed childcare phinneyneighborhoodassociation E-mail (default) Mail Both None • Add us to your Instagram feed: PNA event update e-mails (~2x/month): Yes No @phinneyneighborhoodassociation For auto-renew by credit card, visit phinneycenter.org/membership or call 206.783.2244 • Follow us on Twitter: 3,162 @PNA_Updates Mail completed form to: WI 20 older adults connect though activities, social services, and memory-loss PNA Or join online at 6532 Phinney Ave N phinneycenter.org/membership Get involved! programs at our Greenwood Senior Seattle, WA 98103 Volunteering is a great way to get to Center; or age in their own homes know your neighbors, do something Call 206.783.2244 or with the help of PNA Village. Questions? good, meet people, and have fun. email [email protected] Visit phinneycenter.org/volunteer or see page 19 for current opportunities, PNA MEMBERSHIP is an investment both at PNA and in the community. in creating a thriving community. We turn strangers into neighbors, Learn more at phinneycenter.org. and neighbors into community. phinneycenter.org
Page 2 • The Review • Winter 2019-20 PNACommunity Events Begins Here
Visit phinneycenter.org/events for online listings
LOCATIONS Phinney Center (PC) 6532 Phinney Ave N, 98103 206.783.2244 [email protected]
Greenwood Senior Center (GSC) 525 N 85th St, 98103 20 6.297.0875 [email protected]
For more events See "Senior Highlights" on pages 14-17 for events for seniors and adults of all ages.
Holiday closures November 28-29 December 24-Jan 1 January 20 February 17
The PNA Winter Festival & Crafts Fair, this year on Dec. 7 & 8, hosts 120 local makers and artists like Mandy of Foxtail Pottery from Twisp, Washington. Photo by Breanne Durham
11/23 – Saturday Local Authors Holiday Bookfest 11/22 – Friday 3-5 pm. PC Blue Building. Free. Meet Pacific Northwest authors and get signed copies of their books for yourself Farewell Party for or holiday gifts. Now in its 10th year, this much-anticipated event connects our Lee Harper book-loving community. Authors do short readings. Phinney Books handles 6-8 pm. PC Blue Building. Free. the sales. Authors take your donated books for the Pocket Library program. A Join us for an all-ages Happy portion of the proceeds benefits The Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas (Sad) Hour to celebrate and say and the PNA. To see the list of authors, visit phinneycenter.org/calendar/holiday- farewell to PNA Executive Director, bookfest-2019/. (Also, see article, page 8.) Lee Harper. Help us say thank you for an 11/28 – Thursday amazing ten years of leadership at the helm of the PNA and service Thanksgiving Potluck to our community. 4- 6 pm. PC Blue Building. Free. Also, come meet our new Join us for our annual Thanksgiving potluck meal. Share the holiday and a dish Executive Director, Dar’Nesha (if you can) with others in our community at the Phinney Center. All are welcome! Weary, who officially starts on To RSVP or volunteer, call 206.783.2244 or email [email protected]. Let us Dec 2 (see page 6). know the dish you are bringing and if you can help set up or clean up. Appetizers and drinks provided. All are invited! 11/30 – Saturday Lee (R) with past Board President Chris Johnson at the Holiday GloCone & Monkey Lighting Enchanted Forest PNA Auction. 5-5:30 pm. PC Air Raid Tower. Free Photo by Walter Tuai Kick-off the holiday (monkey) season! Bring the family to the Phinney Center Air Raid tower and see it set aglow with lights and monkeys. Enjoy free refreshments and caroling with the OK Chorale.
12/7 & 8 – Saturday & Sunday 12/11 – Wednesday & 1/25 – Saturday 39th Annual Winter Festival & Crafts Fair 9 am-5 pm. PC Both Buildings. $2/PNA Members, $4/Non-Members, PNA Village Volunteer Training Children under 12 free.+ A suggested food item for the FamilyWorks 10-12 pm. GSC. Free. Greenwood Food Bank Would you like to help your neighbors remain in their homes and stay active Enjoy a unique holiday shopping experience in our two historic buildings full of in their community as they age? PNA Village volunteers help with rides, help specialty goods by 120+ hand-picked local artists and makers. You'll find an amazing in and around the home, and provide social interaction. To attend the next array of items: home goods, jewelry and accessories, art, pottery, apparel, gifts for Village volunteer training, contact us at 206-789-1217 or village@phinneycenter. cooks, gifts for guys, gifts for mom, gifts for kids, gifts for yourself… org. (Also see other date: Wed. 12/11). Learn about the PNA Village program at Take a break with continuous live entertainment and a tasty lunch, treats, phinneycenter.org/village. espresso, and adult beverages. You can also enter a raffle for a fabulous handmade quilt, and buy a wreath to benefit our preschool co-op. 12/12 – Thursday Shop for community! Not only are you supporting local artisans, by attending this event, you are contributing to PNA's programs, such as the free hot meal Costume Jewelry Sale program, the Greenwood Senior Center, childcare, the Tool Library, new 1-7 pm. GSC. Free. Community Woodshop, Art Gallery, events and classes, as well as our many The Talk Time English practice group at the Greenwood Senior Center has been community projects. collecting costume jewelry since early October, and there sure is a lot of it! Find Visit phinneycenter.org/winterfestival for the vendor line-up and see page 11 fascinating pieces from vintage to modern, and score some great new bling at for more details. very reasonable prices. All proceeds benefit the Greenwood Senior Center.
The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Page 3 12/21 – Saturday Caroling Under Gary’s Canopy 5-6 pm. Gary’s Auto Repair, 7418 Greenwood N. Free. Join this favorite annual neighborhood sing-a-long, led by Phinney Neighborhood Community Chorus with a fire pit, hot cider, and Gary’s canopy to keep warm and dry. A hat will be passed for donations to the Seattle Times Fund for the Needy.
12/25 – Wednesday Annual Christmas Meal 12-3 pm. GSC. Free, donations gladly accepted. Share in the joy of Christmas Day with friends, family, and community at the PNA’s Annual Christmas Meal at the Greenwood Senior Center. Doors open at noon with a light reception. The meal includes turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. All are welcome! Doors open at 12 pm; meal is served at 1 pm. Must RSVP at 206.297.0875 by Friday, Dec. 13. Get family and pet santa photos at Seatown Vet. Photo courtesy of Seatown Vet 1/10 – Friday 12/13 – Friday PNA Orientation PhinneyWood Phestivus 6:30-7:30 pm. PC Blue Building, Rm 5. Free. 6-9 pm. Throughout the neighborhood. Free. Come meet neighbors and PNA members, learn what's going on at the Phinney PhinneyWood’s holiday monkeys are hosting a party featuring Neighborhood Association (PNA), and how you can get involved. This is a great a variety of phestive activities. Check out the Woodland Park Zoo’s way to learn about what we do, and how you can support and enjoy the many WildLights and make your way down Phinney and Greenwood to find programs, events, and activities the PNA has to offer. Treats will be served. RSVP: the 200+ lighted monkeys that “escaped” to local businesses. Find art, 206.783.2244 or [email protected]. refreshments, live music, kids’ activities, and restaurant specials at the monthly Art Up Chow Down art walk. Then settle down at Morrow Lane in Piper Village in Greenwood: it will become Santa Claus Lane, the hub 1/15 – Wednesday of all kinds of phestive fun! phinneycenter.org/phestivus. Village Volunteer Recruitment: Pizza and Refreshments 6:30-7:30 pm. PC Blue Building, Rm 5. Free. Join us for pizza and refreshments while learning how you can help your elder neighbors! Village volunteers provide services like transportation, help with small projects in and around the home, and social interaction. Volunteering is flexible and on your own schedule. Make a difference in how your neighbors choose to age! Your RSVP is appreciated but not required at [email protected] or 206.789.1217. Learn about the PNA Village program at phinneycenter.org/village.
1/25 – Saturday The Great Seattle Seed Swap 2-4 pm. PC Brick Building, Community Hall. Free. Come and get seeds for your vegetable garden at the Great Seattle Seed Swap, presented by the King County Seed Lending Library. Bring seeds to share if you can, but it’s not required. Bring small bags, envelopes, or jars to take home your seeds. We will have short workshops on seed saving and other gardening topics. Learn about the King County Seed Library—with a branch in the PNA's Tool Everyone gets in a festive mood at the ESML concert. Library—at kingcoseed.org. Photo by Lee Harper 2/1 – Saturday 12/21 – Saturday Open House for PCPE, Phinney Benefit Concert for Early Stage Spanish-language Cooperative Preschool Memory Loss Programs 10 am-1 pm. PC Blue Building, Blue Room. 2-4 pm. GSC. $10 suggested donation. Come check out PCPE, Seattle’s only Spanish-language cooperative preschool, The OK Chorale and the GSC’s own All Present Song Circle (an ESML- and a program of the PNA! We welcome bi-lingual families with children ages 0 friendly community choir) will sing a collection of holiday and winter to 6, who speak Spanish either full or part-time at home. PCPE provides a play- favorites, guaranteed to put you in a festive mood! All proceeds benefit based learning environment, encouraging and supporting the whole child and our early stage memory loss programs. Feel free to bring cookies to his/her development process. share with others, and bring your appetite! We are a strong community of bi-lingual families, celebrating diverse Latino cultures. Attend the Open House to receive priority status on our waiting list. For more info visit: pcpeseattle.org or contact us at: [email protected].
2/22 – Saturday Book Exchange 11 am-2 pm. PC Blue Building. Free. Trade your gently used books for something new! Or buy paperbacks for $1 and hardbacks for $2. Browse mysteries, science fiction & fantasy, kids’ lit, and cookbooks. Meet other readers, get recommendations, and enjoy free tasty treats.
PNA Members Finn, Chad, and Olive are ready for their pancakes at last year's annual meeting. Photo by Ana Maria King
1/25 – Saturday Pancake Breakfast & Annual Meeting 9-10:30 am. PC Brick Building, Community Hall. Free Join us to celebrate the success of 2019 and elect our 2020 PNA Board of Directors. We’ll have a homemade breakfast, mimosas, and plenty of coffee. Breakfast served 9-9:45 am; business portion begins at 9:45 am. To volunteer, contact Christiane at 206.783.2244 or christianer@ phinneycenter.org
Page 4 • The Review • Winter 2019-20 Ongoing events & groups Seattle Folklore Society Concerts Spanish Language Conversation Group Every Monday. 6-8 pm. PC Blue Building. $25/month. First night free! Advanced 6-7 pm, intermediate 7-8 pm. See pg. 22 in class schedule.
Conversation & News of the Day Tuesdays, 10:30 am-12 pm. HomeStreet Bank, 7307 Greenwood. Free. Come with a news clipping that you want to discuss, or just come and join in with others. For more info, contact Cecile Andrews at [email protected].
Understanding Happiness Wednesdays, 10 am. HomeStreet Bank, 7307 Greenwood There is excellent research on the subject of happiness. In this group, explore how to act on this research, and create happier lives. Led By Cecile Andrews.
Phinney Friends Crochet Every Thursday. 10 am-12 pm. PC Blue Building. Free.
Popular Seattle folk-pop trio, Uncle Bonsai, takes the stage on Jan. 18. Bridge Group Photo by Maria Camillo Fridays, 7 pm. PC Blue Building, Room 2. Free. All are welcome at this self-run group. Saturday concerts begin at 7:30 pm, and Sunday concerts begin at 7 pm. Concerts are held in the Phinney Center Community Hall in the Emerald City Contra Dancing lower Brick Building. Fridays, 7:30-10 pm. (beginners' workshop at 7 pm). Advance tickets go on sale 60 days before each show and are PC Brick Building. $9, public/$8, SFS & PNA members & seniors/$5 available through Brown Paper Tickets or at prior SFS shows (discounts students/Free for 16 and under. seattledance.org/contra/emeraldcity for SFS/PNA members, students, seniors; ½ price for youth to age 17) A community-oriented type of folk dancing; join in with or without a partner. See seafolklore.org for more info.
Community Study Group Nov. 30 Dunava/ Dave & the Dalmatians - Holidays South of the Saturdays, 10-11 am. Couth Buzzard, 8310 Greenwood Ave N Danube! Winter-themed songs from southern and eastern One of the most important things we can do for our health and well being is Europe to have a sense of community and connection. This group will come together to Jan. 18 Uncle Bonsai - Edgy, clever, super-harmonizers study community, what kinds of community you want, and how to build it. Jan. 19 Kevin Burke - sublime Irish fiddle (Sunday) The leader is Cecile Andrews, author of several books which deal with the idea of community. For more information contact her at [email protected] Jan. 26 Andrew Finn Magill's Canta Violino! Brazilian choro and more by brilliant duo; with Nando Duarte (Sunday) PNA Fixers' Collective Feb. 1 Kat Eggleston and Kate MacLeod - Original and Celtic songs 1st Wednesdays. 5-7 pm*. Greenwood Hardware. Free. *note new time and tunes by two gifted songwriters You can’t break what’s already broken! BYO broken gadget or small appliance, Feb. 8 Rachel Ries & Her Crooked Heart - Sly, compassionate, and come for the fun while getting help taking it apart and putting it back together, transformational songs in four-part harmony and hopefully fixing it in the process. Kids welcome. phinneycenter.org/tools/fixers/. - songs of Scotland, plus masterfully Feb. 15 Jim & Susie Malcolm crafted originals Seattle Song Circle 2nd Sundays. 7-10 pm. GSC. Free. Coming in March and beyond: Join folks who enjoy getting together to sing. No expertise required, but Local Songwriter Showcase, Lila Spelmanslag benefit, Missy Raines ability to stay in key is nice. Mainly folksongs. For info, contact Bruce Baker, Quartet, Todalo Shakers, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, Cathy Fink & Marcy 425.998.6134, [email protected]. Marxer, Alice Wallace Band, Miles & Karina (Live accompaniment to a vintage silent film), Trio Brasileiro, Gerry O'Connor w/ RIchard Mandel, ArtUp PhinneyWood Art Walk House of Hamill, Matthew Byrne 2nd Fridays. 6-9 pm. Phinney-Greenwood Aves. Free. Info and maps at artupphinneywood.com. Coordinated by the PhinneyWood Arts Council.
Breaking White Silence Study Group Sprouts and Seniors Thursdays, 1/9 – 2/6 4th Fridays. 10-11 am. GSC. Free. 7-8:15 pm. Facilitated by Paul Finley. Registration required. Older adults play a critical role in shaping the well-being of young children, and vice versa, but we live in a society that is increasingly segregated by age. Please email [email protected] for information or to join. PNA’s Breaking White Silence project hopes to create anti-bias The mutual benefits of intergenerational interaction between senior citizens and consciousness-raising groups in our community. children have been abundantly researched and proven. Using Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book What Does It Mean to be White: Join us to promote these benefits in our community at the Sprouts & Seniors Developing White Racial Literacy to encourage personal reflection and Greenwood Play Group meeting. Children from birth to preschool age with their conversation, this study group is a first step to open up conversations caregivers are encouraged to join. about whiteness, white privilege, and racism. Greenwood Senior Center will have toys, books, and puzzles available, but To learn more about the book, visit robindiangelo.com. caregivers can bring along favorite toys and books for children to share with the The study groups are geared to adults of all ages. Middle school and seniors during the play group. For questions or to RSVP: 206.297.0875. high school students are also welcome. Although all are encouraged to purchase the book, there are some available to borrow. Bingo Karaoke Last Fridays. 7-10 pm. GSC. Dec 13, Jan 25, Feb 22 (No Nov) $10/PNA Members, $17/Public + $5 gambling fee. Advance tickets available for an additional cost. Karaoke, bingo, and beer—good times for folks age 21+. Details, sale dates, and tickets at phinneycenter.org/bingo. Save the Dates Book Clubs All are welcome! Visit phinneycenter.org/bookclub for book lists. 2/29 30th Annual PNA Wine Taste PNA Book Club 2nd Wednesdays. 7-8:30 pm. 3/8 PNA's 40th Birthday Party PC Blue Building. Free. 3/13 Phinney Center Gallery art show opening Second Tuesday Book Club 3/28 Holi Festival of Colors 2nd Tuesdays, 7-8 pm. 4/2 Thank You Thursday at Reuben's Brews PC Blue Building. Free. 4/25 PNA Auction 5/8 & 9 The BIG One PhinneyWood Art Walk For community meetings, visit phinneycenter.org/groups
The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Page 5 Meet PNA's new Executive Director, Dar'Nesha Weary For the latter part of her career, she has risen in the ranks of the YMCA of Greater Seattle, beginning as the Dale Turner Branch Membership Engagement Director and ending in the corporate office as the Program Executive of Membership, overseeing membership engagement operations of 14 branches. In her spare time, Dar'Nesha is also the director of the award-winning Northside Step Team, which recently worked with the artist Lizzo on a Participation at the Greenwood Senior Center builds social connections—the Dar'Nesha Weary sisterhood project. Zumba Gold class enjoys a coffee outing together after class. Photo byAriel She is also a member of Zeta Phi by Amanda Froh Beta Sorority, Incorporated (one of nine On behalf of the Board of Directors, Historically Black Greek Organizations). I am thrilled and honored to introduce She is exceedingly active with com- to you Dar'Nesha Weary, PNA's third munity engagement and education King County voters executive director! around diversity, equity, and inclusion Dar'Nesha is a Seattle native who throughout the greater Seattle area. comes to us after over 20 years of Dar'Nesha has a B.A. in Psychology invest in seniors' lives experience in the nonprofit sector, and a M.A. in Counseling from Capella where her mission has been to serve University. Greenwood Senior Center others, build community, and make a Please help me welcome Dar'Nesha receives hub funding positive impact by challenging racism, to the PNA! She'll begin in her new promoting acceptance of people role on Dec 2. Before that, she'll from different backgrounds, raising by Karla Rava The second focus of the center’s be attending the farewell event for Thanks to voter approval of the funding will become a Dementia focused awareness, and using her voice to outgoing Executive Director Lee Harper expanded Veterans, Seniors and hub—a resource center for seniors address hate and to promote kindness. on Nov. 22 (see page 3), so come by the Human Services Levy, King County diagnosed and living with dementia, She began her career right here party and say hello. announced a $20.6 million investment and their caregivers. It will also offer in the neighborhood as a Program Read about the hiring process in for existing senior centers throughout resources and expertise related to Director at the Greenwood Boys and "From the Board President" on page 1. the region on Aug. 20, 2019. dementia to other senior hubs. Girls Club. This initiative will provide greater Because the Greenwood Senior outreach and added resources for Center is already widely known socially isolated and vulnerable seniors, for its dementia and memory-loss New outdoor chess court enabling them to connect and engage programming, it is well-situated to take at the Phinney Center more with their community. on this challenge. Current programs In addition, it will also offer much include Alzheimer’s Cafes, Memory needed support for their families and Loss Support Groups, The Gathering caregivers. “King County is investing Place enrichment program, a memory in programs specifically designed to loss chorus, an improv program with improve the quality of life for our local Taproot theatre, individual counseling seniors and their families,” said King and caregiver retreats. County Executive Dow Constantine in The hub initiative will also pilot a a County press release. new program called Dementia Care Fourteen regional senior centers Team to support couples coping with “hubs” have been selected and a partner that has dementia. In the allocated $19.48 million to utilize future, the Greenwood Senior Center over a period of four and-a-half years. hopes to offer the model to other Among many geographical-centered senior centers, hubs, and community hubs, other funded hubs include organizations nationwide. an African Diaspora Senior Hub, a Cecily Kaplan, Senior Program GenPRIDE Center, a Hub for Asian Director, shared some of the other American and Pacific Islander Seniors, ways the center plans to use the funds. and an Indian Association of Western They will hire more staff and Washington Senior Services Hub. increase hours for part-timers, thus Eddie Strange plays against the grand chessmaster Columbo at The Greenwood Senior Center, allowing for more programs and the Phinney Center's new chess court. Photo by Eric Jusino operated by the Phinney Neighborhood services to be available. Association (PNA), received $1.25 And finally, with a one-time capital by John Jones The PNA's chess pieces and timer million over 4.5 years to become a expense allotment, the senior center A new Phinney Center Chess Court is are available during Phinney Center Geographic and Dementia-Focused Hub. will add a new lift to the two-story now open in the Heart of Phinney Park. business hours. The geographic-focused hub 1950s building, making it easier for The court is for everyone—players The Chess Court is the passion will serve District 1 and District 4, seniors to move about the campus. of all ages and all skill levels. The three project of the PNA’s Groundskeeper primarily in North King County. King County voters have spoken and tables are all ready with chess boards Eddie Strange. It’s a great game Its main objective will be to reach the message is clear. Seniors are an permanently attached. It’s a great venue under one of our largest trees, isolated seniors, supporting increased integral part of society, and investing space to play with a friend or make a surrounded by plantings. opportunities for North King County, in their quality of life is a top priority. new friend. Eddie’s vision was to create the and to provide technical assistance to Hubs, like Greenwood Senior On the next sunny day (or cloudy perfect space for chess players and he other senior hubs. Center, will now have even greater day!), come to the Phinney Center hopes the court becomes so popular For example, one initiative will be range and ability to implement front desk to sign out a bag of chess that a chess club forms. to add programs specifically for men programs designed for seniors to pieces. If you want a competitive He’s already come up with a few and LGBTQ seniors. Another will be experience inclusion and become match sign out the chess timer, as well. club names, so feel free to ask him to add evening and weekend hours to active, participatory members of the Or, if you bring your own pieces, feel about those the next time you see him reach seniors still working. community. free to play and use the table anytime. taking care of the campus.
SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS FROM BALLARD MARKET Pancake Breakfast & Annual Meeting Bring them to the Phinney Center to support our local seniors!
Saturday Breakfast 9-9:45 1% of the total will be donated Since 1999, your receipts have to our senior center programs. brought in over $50,000. January 25th Meeting 9:45 THANK YOU! Brick Building Community Hall | Free! (To be usable, the tax amount must appear on your receipts.)
Page 6 • The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Neighborhood Walks • Deluxe Boarding • Locally Owned www.DecadentDogCare.com
Photo by Drew Beamer How to walk in the dark
by Rylan Bauermeister contact and standing with a straight Winter is a special time. The back shows a person that you won’t glowing lights, air thick with wood be a victim. smoke, the silence only snow and ice Indeed, Joanne stated that people bring to a city. However, we also get to who take self-defense classes are worrying about those dark evenings. significantly less likely to even We grow scared of walking to our car encounter violent crime, both on or to the store alone, fearing the many the streets and in their personal life, things that go bump in the night. simply by being able to detect red We spoke to two personal safety flags and stand up to them. experts to get tips for feeling more It’s also important to remember confident in the neighborhood on that the responsibility to create a safe dark winter nights. environment does not ever rest upon The first, Joanne Factor, teaches the shoulders of an individual. While self-defense classes and describes there are things we can do to stay safe, herself as “at least as much a New what can we, as a community, do? Yorker as a Seattleite.” For starters, get to know your The second, Mary Amberg, works neighbors. How many of us actually with the Seattle Police Department know our neighbors’ names, and as a Crime Prevention Coordinator for keep their numbers handy? A safe the North Precinct. community is one where people look In terms of how to stay safe, the two out for one another. It’s one that leaves were very much in agreement on the porch lights on at night or uses motion first and most basic step: awareness. sensitive lighting for the sidewalk. It’s Joanne stressed the need to look comprised of people who go out at out for red flags. Pay attention to what night and give others the space they makes you uncomfortable. Someone need to feel comfortable. being too close; a loud noise; a In the end, Joanne said: “Go out. Do behavior that makes you feel on edge. things. Be aware of your surroundings. The second step, then, is to remove You won’t just see bad guys, you’ll see yourself from that influence. the fall foliage. You’ll see things you “We’re not trees,” Joanne said. would have missed.” “Backing up is not a sign of weakness; Then, after a pause, “Oh, and don’t it’s telling the other person you see be afraid to use your voice to set a them as a threat and are willing to act boundary.” on it.” Mary echoed the sentiment, saying Learn about SPD's community “It’s not about your size, it’s about policing and Block Watch at seattle. your attitude.” Both encouraged gov/police/community-policing. taking up space, rather than shrinking. Take a women's self-defence class Speaking with your hands, and not with Joanne at the Phinney Center smiling in situations where you don’t this winter, Jan 21-Feb 25 (see class actually want to. Making constant eye schedule, page 20).
Phinney emergency HUB back in operation!
by Jim Durand The Monroe earthquake in July prompted an effort to reactivate the PNA Emergency HUB. We’ve resumed the significant work David Baum accomplished in 2016 when the HUB was created. During a disaster, the HUB will setup in the Phinney Center Blue Building parking lot. The HUB serves as a communications center coordinating neighbors helping neighbors in the PhinneyWood area. Utilizing radio communications with other area HUBs and with the city, the HUB will also provide information about regional conditions and any instruc- tions received from the city. Over the past month, a team of volunteers has been making plans to increase the capability of the HUB. Members have attended a training workshop, and we’re starting to establish relationships with the five other HUBs in Ballard. We’re also making plans to coordinate with our partner HUBs at Greenwood Senior Center, St. John’s United Lutheran, and Epic Life church. We need to get more neighbors involved as the HUB continues to grow. We’ll be organizing a training session with the Emergency Communications HUBs coordinator, and we’d like you to be part of it! Come see what it’s all about. To learn more, contact Jim at [email protected] or Jack at [email protected].
The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Page 7 DAVERN SAFE & LOCK Professional Master Locksmiths Locks & Deadbolts · Keys Re-keying · Safes Master key systems Locks opened Safe combos changed COMPLETE LOCK INSTALLATION RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Shop Hours M-F 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 206-789-8920 6510 1/2 Phinney Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103 Serving our community since 1986
Meet your favorite local authors at the Nov 23 Holiday Bookfest. Photo by Ben Bauermeister
mcgrawsdirect2ucarpet.com How Seattle inspires WOOL Holiday Bookfest authors CARPET SHOW ROOM HOURS By Bill Thorness scenes at Rattlesnake Mountain, Lake has always inspired Kathleen Alcalá Tues-Fri 11:00 AM-5:00 PM “She rushes down the dark street, Union, the Oddfellows Building, and (The Deepest Roots). “Approaching and by appointment past the glittering bookstores and Roanoke Park.” the puzzle of sustainable living in a 155 N. 78th St. coffee shops, past the Space Needle Author Deb Caletti (A Heart in a Body place of abundance and prosperity, 206-783-2662 with its weird alien suggestions, past in the World) weaves in “favorite spots, I realized the answers are all around Serving our community since 1978 the stutter and stammer of rush foods, funny customs (no umbrellas), us – we just need to be willing to hour…” and sayings (‘The mountain is out’), implement them.” In that line from Anna Quinn’s as well as our moody, atmospheric Another Bainbridge writer, Lynn novel The Night Child, Nora’s view of landscape.” David B. Williams (Stories Brunelle (Turn This Book into a Beehive) Seattle reveals her mental state. in Stone) says Seattle’s “close tie to was so enamored of the wild mason The colorful imagery also shows its geology and ecology” has inspired bees near her home “that I had to write how the Pacific Northwest influences his explorations of “the intersection a book about them that actually turns area authors. Some of the celebrated between people and the natural into a bee house for them.” Northwest authors who will appear world.” Even the neighborhood’s young and sign books at the 10th annual And for Jennifer Gold, who will authors are inspired by their Holiday Bookfest on Nov. 23 offer bring her new book The Ingredients of surroundings. At tutoring center insights into that inspiration. Us, “There's something magical about Bureau of Fearless Ideas, whose latest “Everybody always asks me where our mountains, forests and ocean that anthology of What to Read in the Rain Lillian’s restaurant is” from The just begs to be written.” will be available at the event, kids in School of Essential Ingredients, says Local culture can also offer insight. grades 3 to 5 piped up eagerly with Erica Bauermeister. “The kernel of Gina Siciliano’s new book I Know What their observations. inspiration came from the craftsman I Am: The Life and Times of Artemisia “There are cool things to write about house in between the two Guild 45th Gentileschi is about a 17th century indoors, like erasers, what it's like to theaters. I passed it every day and Italian artist, but she contrasted be a stapler,” one said. “But outside I just thought the idea of a house her character’s struggles with her there's so much to write about, like tucked between two commercial own. “Just like modern Seattle, 17th trees, birds, snow, clouds, cement…” buildings was fascinating.” century Naples had it's own huge A second youth got philosophical: Bauermeister, a Holiday Bookfest population of homeless, skyrocketing “I'm inspired by the diversity of founder when it was a Seattle7Writers rents and rising prices for everything, Seattle, because there's no right or fundraising event, will appear with and a totally unfair tax system,” she wrong answer.” her new book The Scent Keeper and says. “Also like Seattle, its people were And a third spoke of things young will also take the stage for a short prone to rising up and speaking out in writers see around them, saying “We reading during the Saturday afternoon desperation!” are inspired by the beautiful planes, event. A portion of the book sales Nathan Vass sees our modern life the sunsets, the beautiful trees, the will again benefit The Greater Seattle from behind the wheel of a Metro Puget Sound, and by all the rain.” Bureau of Fearless Ideas and Phinney bus. “Seattle represents the American Perhaps it’s the rain that fuels the Neighborhood Association (PNA). experiment in stark relief,” he says. community of writers and readers, “I've lived in Seattle my whole life, It offers “boundless” material for his young and older, that also feeds the and all my books take place here,” writing in The Lines That Make Us: souls of local authors. says Rachel Lynn Solomon (Our Year Stories From Nathan’s Bus. J. Anderson Coats (The Green of Maybe). “To me, it's so much more Sometimes a writer wants to Children of Woolpit) is “deeply grateful” than a setting—it’s a feeling. A foggy disconnect, says Beth Jusino (Walking to readers who “always turn out in morning at Pike Place, a sunset at to the End of the World). “I needed to force to support the printed word,” Golden Gardens. There's something step away from the always-on digital and Jennifer Haupt honed her craft about Seattle that feels infinitely world,” she says. “So I set out to walk immersed in Hugo House’s “inclusive hopeful.” 1,000 miles on a thousand-year-old and diverse literary community.” More recent residents also are pilgrimage trail called the Camino de After her first novel, In the Shadow of inspired. “After I moved to Seattle in Santiago.” 10,000 Hills, was published, she says 2013, I knew I had to weave this vibrant Kim Brown Seely and her husband becoming a Hugo House teacher “was city into my political thriller series,” took another tack when they wanted a sweet full circle.” says J.L. Brown. “In the second book, to unwind, teaching themselves to sail “Seattle has mostly inspired me Rule of Law, FBI Agent Jade Harrington and setting off on a 1,400-mile watery through its literary camaraderie,” says partners with a Seattle detective to adventure. “Uncharted is basically David Laskin (The Family). “Writers investigate a cybercrime. She is pulled a love letter to the Northwest,” she work in solitude, but when we come back to Seattle in The Divide.” says, and “an intimate account of that out of our damp caves, it's always Even the dark corners of our city summer, digging into the changing nice to find colleagues blinking in the can be useful, says perennial Bookfest nature of love and new life chapters.” sunlight and smiling shyly.” favorite Kevin O’Brien. “I've set nearly The verdant landscape also offers a Twenty-four celebrated Northwest all 20 of my thrillers here in Seattle. With siren call to writers. authors will come smiling into the all of the area's forests and different Louisa Morgan set WWII novel The light at this year’s Holiday Bookfest at bodies of water, I never run out of Witch's Kind on the Olympic Peninsula the Phinney Center, Nov. 23, 3-5 pm. places where my villains can dispose and says “My protagonist's farm is as If you can’t make the Bookfest, find of their victims,” he says wickedly. “My real to me as my own garden.” work from all these and many more latest thriller, The Betrayed Wife, has Her Bainbridge Island landscape local authors at Phinney Books.
Page 8 • The Review • Winter 2019-20 Business and community continued from page 1 Theo also reaches out to support beloved space that is the heart of this local non-profits when he can. For neighborhood,” Karen says. “We want instance, he’s scheduled a fundraiser to help Theo keep the place alive.” for Books to Prisons (January 31), an The bookstore celebrates its 10th organization that recently moved into anniversary on Dec. 14 with treats, the Greenwood neighborhood and live music and “other surprises.” The provides requested reading materials evening features The Jump Monkeys for those behind bars. with Orville Johnson and Soul Shack. Meanwhile, community members Folks can find out more on the Couth look for ways to keep the bookstore Buzzard Facebook page, Instagram going. Cecile Andrews, a regular at (@couthbuzzardbooks), its website Couth Buzzard, hosts conversation (buonobuzzard.com) or by signing groups, including a Monday morning up for the monthly e-newsletter by discussion of the news. “My interest contacting [email protected]. and passion is how do we create more Theo, and all those who browse community, how do we come together the bookshelves, discuss ideas, come and talk. Because talk leads to action. in for music, or to play a game—all And Couth Buzzard is a wonderful hope that there will be another 10 place to do that.” years and more for this neighborhood She and fellow bookstore-booster gathering place. As Theo puts it, “Our Karen Schneider started a group called motto is ‘building community one cup, Friends of Couth Buzzard. “It’s a most one book, and one note at a time.’”
STACEY L. ROMBERG Cheers! Local cooperative brewery A TTOR NEY A T LAW STACEY L. ROMBERG values community and connection ATTORNEY A T LAW 10115 greenwood ave. n., pmb #275 Bookstores are well-known sanc- They also host all kinds of seattle, wa 98133 tuaries from the cares of the world, community events at the brewery— [email protected] as are bars. If you’re old enough to from fundraisers for non-profits to political debate-watching parties to www.staceyromberg.com remember the TV show Cheers, you 206.784.5305 recall that the sitcom bar was a place neighborhood clean-ups. “where everybody knows your name.” The unusual name, Flying Bike, estate planning • probate business LAW That’s the ambiance at Flying Bike comes from their origins in 2011. Cooperative Brewery, says immediate ”There were only one or two past Board President Austin Rood. cooperative breweries in the country “We have great bartenders. If you and at first we thought a brewery run come in with any regularity, they will by membership might be as ridiculous know who you are. We allow kids in, as a flying bike,” Austin says. there are dogs hanging out.” The name stuck and it turned The cooperative, located at 8570 out it was not at all ridiculous. The Greenwood Ave. N, is open to the cooperative now has about 2,000 public and supports the neighborhood. members and continues to grow. “We’re focused on giving back to “We really want to become the the community,” Austin says. “For Cheers of the neighborhood,” he says, instance, we’ve had Pint Nights to “ground zero for a place to reconnect support other co-ops, like preschools. with friends and family.” We donate a dollar for every pint Visit flyingbike.coop to see what's sold.” going on at the brewery these days.
Flying Bike recently hosted Meow-lloween Pint Night benefiting Seattle Area Feline Rescue, one example of its community engagement. Photo by Andrew Bieber
C e et eative at Seattle ReC eative A t lie Cla e i an a lt Ca i th ay Pa tie M e A t, Le T a h
8 08 een Ave N. . eattle e eative.
The Review • Winter 2019-20 • Page 9 Help spread holiday cheer with the PNA Giving Tree The
Share your abundance and bring the tag by the due date (the week of joy to those in need in the community Dec. 9). Village by participating in our annual Giving These gifts bring a much needed Tree, from mid-Nov through mid-Dec. holiday boost to children and adults It’s easy! Pick up a gift tag (or two) from agencies including Broadview The PNA Village is a program that empowers people to remain in the homes at the Phinney Center, Greenwood Emergency Shelter, Cate Apartments, and neighborhoods they love while staying active and engaged as they age. Senior Center, Whittier Kids, Dorothy Day House, Eagle Staff Middle Want to learn more or get involved as a volunteer or as a Village member? Visit HomeStreet Bank (Phinney & Crown School, FamilyWorks Food Bank, phinneycenter.org/village, email [email protected], or call 206.789.217. Hill), Umpqua Bank (Phinney), Nutty Greenwood Senior Center, PNA Hot Squirrel Gelato, Three Wishes, or at Meal Program, Lakeview Apartments, our Winter Festival (Dec. 7 & 8). and Whitman Middle School. Happy Then purchase the gift ($20-30) and Holidays! return it to the location you picked up Village expanding to Fremont & Wallingford
by Riana Nolet Program. As it gets more and more The PNA Village is in our eighth difficult to afford to live in Seattle, year of operation, now serving 190 Villages are becoming a valuable members with support from 200 tool for making life easier and more neighborhood volunteers! The PNA affordable for older adults. Village builds community around our Village members receive rides, elder members, ensuring that people handyperson help, light chores, are connected to and supported by yardwork, social companionship, community. The Village program referrals to pre-screened professionals, launched in 2012 to serve residents and more. The PNA Village is able to of Phinney and Greenwood. In offer a sliding scale fee ranging from 2016, we expanded west to add $6 to $30 month. Ballard, Broadview, and Bitter Lake The biggest need as the Village to our service areas, and now we are program expands is for more including Fremont, and Wallingford! volunteers. Volunteering is local (like To launch our expansion we hosted down the street), time commitments a delicious and lively breakfast with are very flexible, and it requires our partners at the Wallingford no specific skills other than what Community Senior Center. Over 50 you already know and like to do. people came out to hear about the Volunteers provide rides, help fix little program and thanks to Blue Star things around the house, help with Diner, Wallingford QFC, Grand Central organizational projects, walk dogs, Bakery, and Café Bessalu, everyone walk with people, sit and visit, craft, was well fed and caffeinated. cook, garden—you name it. If you We know from our work with the have a couple of hours here and there Wallingford Community Senior Center that you could share with an elder, the that the need is there for a Village Village is here to make connections.