Seattle-metro News and Events for Sept. 25 through October, 2014

PHOTO: Renowned Seattle guitarist Ayron Jones plays a little Jimi Hendrix in the Jimi Hendrix pop-up Park in Pioneer Square. The mini park was one of 50 that popped up in parking spaces across the city during the annual PARK(ing) Day. The event is an opportunity for any Seattleite to turn a parking space into a public space; raising awareness about the need for open spaces. Photo by Susan Fried

Stories of Hope: Event Will Bring Together Suicide-Prevention Advocates

Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention will hold its annual celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Mountaineers Club, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle. Food and beverages will be provided by Vios Café and other local vendors. Seattle-area musicians Gina Salá and Mari Earl will perform. Salá is a teacher, vocalist and composer who specializes in sound healing. Free admission; donations requested. Find more information at www.intheforefront.org.

Central Area Block Party This Saturday

Don't forget to come out this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 pm. to the corner of 23rd Ave and Cherry for the Central Area Block Party. It's going to be a great time with events, performers, food trucks, and more.

The Block Party is going to be fun, lots of fun, but it's also about the future of the Central Area neighborhood along 23rd Ave at Union, Cherry, and Jackson. The goal of the 23rd Ave Action Plan is to strengthen the community, preserve its rich diversity and cultural heritage, and foster a vibrant, equitable neighborhood.

The Block Party is an opportunity for the community to learn about and provide feedback on the 23rd Ave Action Plan and the urban design/rezone recommendations. There will also be an update on SDOT's 23rd Ave corridor improvement and neighborhood greenway project. In between the live music and delicious food, be sure to visit 23rd Ave Action Plan booth to learn how we are working with those living in the neighborhood to make all this happen.

And let's not forget the best part, the Block Party is FREE! So tell your friends and come out this Saturday. More information at www.centralareablockparty.com.

AKA Sorority Celebrates at Douglass-Truth Library

The Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host an afternoon tea to celebrate the 50-year legacy of the African American Collection at the Seattle Public Library’s Douglass-Truth Branch, Sunday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m, 2300 E. Yesler Way. The tea celebrates the historical contributions that Alpha Kappa Alpha made in launching and continuing this Northwest legacy.

In 1964, librarian and Alpha Kappa Alpha member Roberta Byrd Barr alerted the sorority that the Seattle Public Library was considering closing the Yesler Branch Library (as it was known then) due to low circulation.

In 1965, Alpha Kappa Alpha donated funds to purchase the Carter G. Woodson “Negro Life and History Collection.”

In 1975, Alpha Kappa Alpha fostered a group of concerned citizens to form the Black Friends of Yesler Branch Library, and they launched a “Rename the Yesler Library” contest. Votes for Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth were tied for the win, so the branch was renamed Douglass-Truth.

Now, the African American collection includes over 10,000 books and media. The event will include a presentation, a reception, a tour featuring sorority members from 1964, and a special dedication by author and sorority member Dr. Mona Lake Jones. For more information go to www.akaduo.org.

Seattle Parks Foundation Hosts ‘Estate Planning for Women,’ Oct. 9

The Seattle Parks Foundation hosts a free seminar on estate planning for women on Thursday, Oct. 9. There are two seminar times and locations to choose from: 1 to 3 p.m. at Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave NE; and 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. at Seattle Public Library - Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave S.

Parking for both seminars is free. RSVP by Monday, Oct. 6, to Betsey Curran at [email protected] or call 206-332-9900 ext. 15.

In the U.S., women live an average of five years longer than men and often have the final say in how much of their family wealth will go to loved ones, favorite causes and community foundations. In this free seminar, estate planning attorney Mark Reinhardt of Rehberg Law Group will answer your questions and explain how women of all ages can update or begin their charitable planning.

Seattle Public Schools Offers “Breakfast-to-Go” for Students

Seattle Public Schools launched a new free Breakfast-to-Go program today at Aki Kurose Middle School. A mobile kiosk is positioned near the front entrance, where students can head to the cafeteria or grab a breakfast bag from the kiosk. The Breakfast-to-Go meals are packed with healthy convenient options including whole wheat bagels with cream cheese, low-fat yogurt with cereal and a honey wheat breakfast bar. Fruit, lowfat milk and juice are also offered with each meal.

The Breakfast-to-Go pilot program is supported by grants received by the district’s Nutrition Services Department, from Action for Healthy Kids and United Way of King County. Aki Kurose is one of 14 schools in Seattle that offers a breakfast at no cost to all students, regardless of eligibility for free, reduced or full pay meals. It is the first school to offer the kiosk option. A similar Breakfast-to-Go kiosk is in the works for Rainier Beach High School.

For more information about Nutrition Services including a list of schools that offer breakfast at no cost: www.seattleschools.org/meals

Watch The 'Best Of NFFTY: Cinema In Tune'

The Teen Center at the Central Library and The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) present teen-directed films with a music focus from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Central Library, 1000 4th Avenue, Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium.

Library events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required. Parking is available in the Central Library garage for $7. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The film screening will include a selection of musically-driven films from NFFTY's 2014 film festival, including:
"Dresses," directed by Tim Hendrix from California
"Flash Point," directed by Colin Campbell from Michigan
"Song For Anna," directed by Lucinda Harstrick & Isiah Hoban-Halvorsen from Washington
"75 Pianos," directed by Jackson C. Davis & Grant Olans from Massachusetts
"Hope," directed by Adam McArthur from Washington
"Candy Floss," directed by Linnea Ritland from British Columbia
"Insan Human," directed by Karim Shaaban from Egypt
"A Warmer Sound," directed by Daniel Morris & Carolina Nunes from United Kingdom
"This Life," directed by Joanna Roy from California
"Brush – Manatee Commune," directed by Tyler Michael James from Washington
"Renminbi Tips," directed by Tommy Lee from British Columbia

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with some of the teen directors. Presenters, films and screening order are subject to change without notice. For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask a Librarian.

THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS 'SHARING OUR STORIES' SERIES SEPT. 27 - NOV. 12

Immerse yourself in the art and craft of storytelling this fall with performances, workshops and interactive audience participation at several locations of The Seattle Public Library. There's something for everyone to try out: traditional oral storytelling, radio scripts, personal storytelling, a documentary film, autobiographical comics and more.
The workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is not required for most events. Free parking is available at the branches.
See below for the workshop schedule and descriptions or visit the Sharing Our Stories page.

CHILDREN
If the Mammoth Tusk Could Talk
Imagine what a tusk can tell us about one of Seattle’s oldest residents: LuLu, the Columbian mammoth! Join us for an afternoon of prehistoric investigation, storytelling and creative play. For ages 4-10.
1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518.

Campfire Songs and Stories
Join local singer-songwriter Nancy Stewart for a fun-filled evening with a new twist on an old tradition! Sing songs, share stories and make your own s’mores. For all ages.
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980.

Teasin' Pleasin' Tales: Stories to Delight and Treasure
Debra Harris-Branham will tell animated and participatory folktales from around the world, with a special focus on African and African-American tales. For all ages.
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.

TEENS
RadioActive: A two-day journalism workshop
Over a two-day period, teens will record and edit audio, write a script and record their voices in KUOW’s professional studios. Plan to attend both days. For ages 13 to 19.
Registration is required; call 206-684-4063 to sign up.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the KUOW Studio, 4518 University Way NE, Suite 310.

'Invisible Young' Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Watch an award-winning documentary film about four young adults, all of whom lived on the Seattle streets as teenagers. After the film, stay for a panel discussion featuring director Steve Keller along with homeless and formerly-homeless youth. For teens and adults.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.

Your Mostly True, 100% Awesome Story: A Comics Workshop
Create a mini-comic based on your own true story with the help of local comic book artist, David Lasky. For ages 12 to 19.
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518.

ADULTS
Seattle Storytellers Guild
Join Cynthia Westby and the Seattle Storytellers Guild for a brief introduction to the art of storytelling, then listen to experienced storytellers or share your own story.
6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980.

Family History Storytelling
Every family has interesting stories. Learn how to tell them in this innovative workshop presented by Mahina Oshie, genealogy librarian.
6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7539

Storytelling with Fresh Ground Stories
Join Paul Currington and Fresh Ground Stories for an afternoon celebrating true, first-person storytelling inspired by The Moth Radio Hour. The story theme will be: Lessons Learned.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.

This program series is presented in partnership with KUOW, the Burke Museum, Seattle Storyteller’s Guild, Fresh Ground Stories and The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636, visit Sharing Our Stories or Ask a Librarian.

4th Annual Sound Living - A One Day Communiversity

A One Day Communiversity on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Everett Community College from 9 AM – 4 PM. This “Communiversity” is a day of learning for everyone. Attendees will be able to explore the connections between land, water and the people of Snohomish County with 19 presentation options during the day. Attendees will have a chance to select from sessions as diverse as “Orca Tribes of the Salish Sea” to “What is Biochar?”. All sessions are led by experts in their field who will share the latest information available. You don’t need to be a scientist to attend – the ‘communiversity’ is for everyone!

David Dilgard, History Specialist with Everett Public Libraries, presents the keynote session on Port Gardner and Beyond – A Place Across Centuries and Cultures. He will set the tone for Sound Living 2014 by delving into the growth and development of Snohomish County and the waters that adjoin it, from prehistory through the present. He will attempt to describe the ways in which the patterns of early settlement were shaped by the waters and waterways and how those natural patterns were subsequently shaped by settlement and development. In many cases the consequences of patterns that commenced long ago are very much with us today.

A sampling of the other topics that are being held throughout the day include:
Sharks of the Salish Sea
Underwater Photography as a Sound Environmental Tool
Ocean Acidification in Pacific Northwest Waters
Putting the Garden to Bed and Planning Ahead
Bald Eagle Ecology, Yesterday and Today
Sea Star Wasting Disease

Educational displays set up by local organizations and agencies will offer additional information about their work and Puget Sound.

Registration is $30.00 on/before October 18th. There is a reduced fee of $20.00 for students, teachers and military personnel. Walk-in registrations are available for an additional $5 above the pre-registration fee. Lunch is available for purchase upon registration, or you can bring your own. On-line registration closes on October 18, but registration, with cash or check, at the door is welcome.

For more information or to register, please contact the Sound Living Planning Team at [email protected] or (425)-357-6028, or check the website at
www.wsusoundliving.org (website live on August 18)

This program is funded by a grant from Washington Department of Ecology. While the materials were reviewed for grant consistency, this does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the Department.
WSU Extension programs are open to all without discrimination.

Douglass-Truth Library Celebrates 100 Years

The Seattle Public Library is planning a special celebration in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Douglass-Truth Branch, 2300 E. Yesler Way, 206-684-4704.

The public is invited to join in the festivities from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the branch. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, button making, canvas bag decorating, historical presentations, performers and refreshments. Historical clothing and accessories from the 1900s will also be on display throughout the Douglass-Truth Branch. All activities are free and open to the public. No registration is required.

At 12:30 p.m., the following community speakers will share brief remarks on the Douglass-Truth Branch's 100th anniversary:
• Marcellus Turner, city librarian of The Seattle Public Library
• Ron Sims, former King County Executive and former Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Val Matson, public relations chair for the Seattle chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha

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

ARTISTS UP at the Northwest African American Museum

To continue reaching communities new to regional arts service agencies, ARTISTS UP will host a free session to connect and inform African and African American artists throughout Seattle, King County and Washington State.

The event is Monday, Oct. 6 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum , 2300 S. Massachusetts St. Artists creating dance, literature, media, music, theater, visual and public art are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is designed to share best practices through peer learning, build connections between artists and funders, and demystify funding programs and processes. The event is hosted by the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, 4 Culture and Artist Trust.

Attendees that require translation, activities for school-aged children, accommodation or alternative format for a disability (facility is accessible) should notify the presenting organizations no later than end of day, October 1.

Since launching in 2013, ARTISTS UP has successfully built bridges and increased understanding of existing artist funding for Latina/o, Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander artist communities.

Washington Service Corps needs people now

OLYMPIA – The Washington Reading Corps needs people 17 years or older who are interested in education and want to make a difference by helping elementary school children learn to read.

The Reading Corps, part of the Washington Service Corps under the federal AmeriCorps umbrella, has positions open at schools in Bellingham, Ferndale, Anacortes, Port Angeles, Silverdale, Bremerton, Tacoma, Manson, Winthrop and Wishram.

The Service Corps also has an opening at a WorkSource office in Tacoma for someone interested in helping job seekers hone their computer skills. This candidate must be 18 to 25 years old.

The deadline for all positions is approaching quickly! Those interested must contact the Service Corps by Sept. 26.

For the Reading Corps positions, contact Terri Jack at [email protected] or 360-407-1349.

For the position at WorkSource Pierce County, contact Lorraine Coots at [email protected] or 360-407-1344.

Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps members commit to 10-and-a-half-month terms of community service, meeting educational, environmental, health and public-safety needs and more in communities across Washington. In return, they receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, training and an educational scholarship. Eligible members with children also can receive help with childcare.

Volunteering and community service increase chances of getting a job. A 2013 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that volunteers are 27 percent more likely than non-volunteers to find a job after being out of work.

The Washington Service Corps is administered by the state Employment Security Department.

Visit the Washington Service Corps website for more information. http://www.esd.wa.gov/washingtonservicecorps/index.php

HealthFest Offers Health and Wellness Options for Individuals and their Families

The first ever HealthFest at Seattle Center offers a broad range of free information and services for individuals and their families to help them achieve healthier lives, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 – 26, in Seattle Center Armory.

The two-day resource fair welcomes the whole community to connect with local health, human, and social service providers – over 40 exhibitors and presenters in all. HealthFest offers free flu shots, health screenings and emergency preparedness tips. Participants may find help in navigating health insurance, collect valuable nutritional and fitness ideas, and join in discussions on health and wellness.

HealthFest highlights:

Group Visits, presented hourly on health topics like contraception, gastritis, skin care, back and neck pain and what the Affordable Healthcare Act means to individuals and families.

Seminars that empower individuals to develop more mindful eating patterns such as preparation of unfamiliar local winter vegetables, health impacts of processed foods, and tips on deciphering food labeling.

Free, professional one-on-one financial education and referrals to help people improve their financial stability and achieve their life goals.

Information about basic food programs, energy assistance and utility discounts, and free/low cost medical benefits in Seattle and King County.

Assistance with mental health resources, diagnosis, and support in the area.

Health screenings for hearing, cholesterol, glucose, weight, and blood pressure.

An Opportunity to register for Optimizing PTSD Treats, a clinical trial offering no-cost, state-of-the-art psychotherapy to all study participants.

HealthFest Exhibitors and Presenters:

AbbVie, American Red Cross, Amerigroup, Antioch Community Counseling & Psychology Clinic, Cancer Lifeline, Community Health Plan of Washington, Consejo Counseling, Country Doctor, Denise Louie Education Center, Group Health Family Medicine Residency, Group Health Neighborhood Health Link, HealthPoint, Hearing Specialty Center, International Community Health Services, King County 2-1-1, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Molina Healthcare, NAMI, Neighborcare Health, Neighborhood House, Premera Blue Cross, Public Health – Seattle & King County, Real Change News, Saint Vincent de Paul, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, Seattle City Light, Seattle Office of Housing, Seattle Parks & Recreation, Seattle Public Library, Seattle Public Utilities, Senior Services, UW Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress, UW Medicine, UW School of Public Health Nutritional Sciences, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Valley Cities Counseling, Virginia Mason, and Within Reach.

HealthFest is presented in parallel with Seattle/King County Clinic with Remote Area Medical®
offering a broad range of free medical, dental and vision clinic to anyone in need, Oct. 23 – 26, at KeyArena. More information on HealthFest, as well as the Seattle/King County Clinic, is available at www.seattlecenter.org or by calling 206-684-7200.

Annual “ReLeaf” Event Focuses on Clark Lake Park

KENT, Wash. – September 22, 2014 – A portion of Clark Lake Park’s 130 acres will receive some volunteer attention on Saturday, October 11 at the annual “ReLeaf” event from 9 a.m. until noon, rain or shine. Volunteers are asked to park at the East Hill Maintenance Shops, 12607 SE 248th St., and shuttle vans will take them to the site.

Kent Parks has been holding a “ReLeaf” volunteer event at this natural area since 2002. Centered by a sparkling lake and surrounded by development, the park has forested trails, open meadows, a stream and wetlands that provide habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Trained Green Kent Partnership Stewards and other volunteers help care for specific areas of the park, removing invasive weeds, planting appropriate native trees, shrubs or groundcover, and maintaining their sections. This year, ReLeaf volunteers will be returning to an un-stewarded area that was cleared and planted during last year’s event but needs additional maintenance and plants.

No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome to participate. Limited tools are provided, plus water and coffee/hot chocolate provided by Starbucks at 4th & Meeker. Register by noon October 8 at KentWA.gov/ComeVolunteer. For more information, contact 253-856-5113.

Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington with a population of over 120,000. A culturally rich destination, Kent features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, exceptional school districts and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit KentWA.gov.