Seattle News and Events for Aug. 1, 2014

PHOTO: Seattle students Ericka Pegues and India Mitchell brought home a gold and bronze medal from the National NAACP Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. this month.  The students competed in the annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) national competition—a program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students.  A total of eight students attended the ACT-SO national competition this year to represent the Seattle King County NAACP.  This year’s team included: Jhana Williams—senior at Renton High, India Mitchell—recent graduate of Holy Names who is attending Seattle Central in fall, Taame Rahwa Beyene—recent graduate of Edmonds Woodway who will be attending Georgia State Poetry in the fall, Olyvia Salter—senior at Taft Academy, Ericka Pegues—senior at Taft Academy, Mahala Provost—sophomore at West Seattle High School, Isaiah Barnett—junior at Seattle Academy, and Monica TL Lewis—co-chair of the ACT-SO team. Photo courtesy Seattle NAACP

Elections Department Offers Tips for Stuck Envelopes

Voters who get their ballots in early not only help the Elections Department process faster, they also help identify any unusual issues during an election. About 260 voters contacted Elections during the first week of voting to alert the department that some ballot return envelopes were already sealed shut.

Voters should carefully open the envelope or, if needed, slit the envelope open on the top. Then use a small amount of tape to reseal the envelope. If the envelope is damaged, voters may download and print a replacement envelope. Voters may also call Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683) with questions or concerns.

A handful of voters have also complained about the taste of the sealant on the envelopes. To avoid tasting the sealant, the Elections Department advised voters to use a moist sponge instead of licking the envelope, or use a small amount of tape if needed.

King County Elections has already taken steps to ensure that the envelopes for the next election will use a different sealant to avoid further problems. 

King County Elections sent more than 1,175,000 ballots to voters for the primary election. To date, over 100,000 voters have returned ballots. The turnout forecast is 38 percent.

Ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 5 or returned to a ballot drop box location or Accessible Voting Center by 8 p.m. on election day.

Urban Wilderness Job Training

Urban Wilderness Works is recruiting young people ages18-24 for the Wilderness Works leadership and job skills training, which will take place in the lovely woods surrounding Lake Ross from Aug. 25 – Sept. 10.

The organization supplies the food, tents, backpacks and clothing.

Attend the information session and sign-up for an interview, next sessions are July 30 and Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

The vision of Urban Wilderness Project/Works is to empower and mobilize individuals in their communities to remove the psychological, social, racial, gender, disabilities, and sexual orientation barriers associated with current land and water use attitudes, practices, and policies.

This is a leadership training program. You will gain work skills, employment references and upon completion receive a $250 education stipend. Those who complete the program become eligible for work with Urban Wilderness and to receive additional training. Earn 60 service-learning hours required for graduation from high school.

The trip includes 10 days of trail work, backpacking, day hiking and arts workshop. The adventure culminates with a public performance/celebration of the poems, stories and visual arts that you create in the backcountry arts workshop back in Seattle.

No experience is required, youth under age 18 will be considered. Call 206-579-5848 to sign up for the information sessions.

Art Project Grants Available

SmART Ventures seeks to fund 6-10 art projects addressing safety and non-violence in our community

As part of the City of Seattle's equity work in addressing public safety, the Office of Arts & Culture is seeking to fund 6 to 10 projects through its smART Ventures program that use the arts to address safety and non-violence within our communities during the months of August through November 2014.

Individuals, arts organizations and community groups will be eligible to apply for $500 of funding. Youth are especially encouraged to apply. Applications for this unique opportunity should be submitted between July 8 through Aug. 31. Call program manager Jenny Crooks, 206.684.7084 before starting your application.

Seafair Stories at the Seattle Public Library

 “Thrilling Tales: A Story Time for Grown-ups” will feature Seafair-themed oceangoing tales of nautical adventure and suspense every Monday in July at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Microsoft Auditorium.

Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage at the regular rates.

Stories will include: 12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Monday, July 28, "Letters from the Samantha" by Mark Helprin and "One for the Islands" by Patricia Highsmith.

Thrilling Tales are gripping short stories for a grown-up audience that are expertly read aloud. Brown bag lunches and knitting are welcome. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Stories start at 12:05 p.m. and are finished no later than 12:50 p.m.

For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636 or www.spl.org

Sherman Alexie Discusses 'California' With Edan Lepucki

Award-winning author Sherman Alexie will moderate a conversation with Edan Lepucki on her debut novel "California" from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 4th Ave., Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage for $5 after 5 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

In the post-apocalyptic world of "California," Cal and Frida have left behind a decaying Los Angeles to try to live off the land. But when Frida discovers she’s pregnant, the need to connect with other survivors becomes more imperative.

"California" was recently featured on The Colbert Report as part of Colbert's reporting on the Amazon/Hachette dispute. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian.

'We Met At The Library' - A Social Workshop And Dance For Singles

In celebration of Chinese Valentine's Day, there will be a social skills workshop and dance from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 4th Ave., Level 4, Washington Mutual Foundation Meeting Room 1.

The program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage at the regular rates.

Schedule of events:

         4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Check in

         4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Introductions, icebreakers and refreshments

         6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Social skills workshop

         6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Dance

The social skills workshop will focus on how to connect with people and improve interpersonal communication skills. Before the dance, there will be a brief presentation on the origins of Chinese Valentine's Day. The dance playlist will be a mix of Asian pop music.

Chinese Valentine's Day, also known as “Qixi” or “Qiqiao” in Chinese, is a romantic holiday that evolved from an ancient love story in Chinese folklore. It traditionally takes place on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

"One of the Library's service priorities is community programming and engagement," said Nonie Xue, program coordinator and Chinese language librarian. "With this event, we want to provide a platform for Library patrons to meet new people, learn some skills from the workshop and have a great time together."

This event is presented in partnership with the North America China Council. Refreshments and a light meal will be provided.

For more information, call World Languages at 206-684-0849 or Ask a Librarian.

Find more events in the Portland and Seattle areas on The Skanner News Community Calendar