From Catherine Darley, Board President

Groundswell NW Events

Sat, 03/03: Sunset Hill - Shilshole Gateway Workparty

Please join us to plant bare root shrubs as the second phase of improving the ends of the 36th Ave NW median with low-maintenance, low-growing plants to keep sight lines clear, improve safety and enhance the appearance of this important connection between Sunset Hill and Shilshole. Bring work clothes and any tools you have suitable for weeding and planting, including wheelbarrows. We'll provide tools, safety vests and refreshments.

Other Events

Tue, 02/07: Speaker Mark Winne - Author of ''Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cooking Mamas''

The first in a series of workshops, lectures and community events co-hosted by Sustainable Ballard and Sunset Hill Community Association. Donations taken at the door will support both organizations.
Lecture @ 6:00, followed by booksigning and information tables about the local food movement.

About Author Mark Winne:
With the advent of industrialism and its widespread application to our food supply – factory farms, genetic engineering, and agricultural chemicals – the struggle between human freedom and authority has reached a critical juncture. In spite of the rapid growth of an alternative food system – local and sustainable food production, farmers’ markets, the public’s rising food consciousness – we become more dependent everyday on industrial agriculture whose representatives insist that it is the only way to feed a hungry world. In the face of such assertions, we must ask if our dependence on such a system threatens to supplant individual self-reliance. Will personal freedom succumb finally and forever to the dominant voice of authority? Are we at risk of sacrificing our democratic voice to self-appointed governing elites? These are no longer speculative questions suitable only for philosophers, but real-life concerns set squarely on the plate of every eater.

Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas

Mark Winne’s second book, Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture takes on the universal struggle between human freedom and authority in its relationship to food. While drawing from great thinkers like Emerson and Dostoevsky to frame his arguments, Winne moves quickly from philosophy to action with numerous stories about “local doers.” From urban gardening heroes in Cleveland, to feisty farmers in New England, to lower income mothers in Texas, Winne shows how people are reclaiming their connection to their food, health, land, and governments. Along the way he finds people of every stripe whose refusal to accept their fate harkens back to a classic form of American individualism, one that has proven itself able to fight back against systems that not only want to conquer our wallets, but also hope to control our minds.

Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas challenges us to go beyond eating local food to become part of a larger solution that demands a system that sustains not just our bodies, but also our souls.

Mark Winne will also speak on Feb. 8th at Third Place Books.

For more information, please visit Mark's website: markwinne.com

Wed, 02/08: Pints for Parks

Join Seattle Parks Foundation Wednesday evenings at The Noble Fir in Ballard.  Every Wednesday, beginning at 6:30, February through April, $1 from each tap pour at The Noble Fir will directly support habitat restoration at Golden Gardens Park. Directions to The Noble Fir can be found here.

Thu, 02/09: Sustainable Ballard Second Thursday Social

Come say hello!

Starting February 2012, The Stepping Stone will donate to SB 10% of the proceeds on the evening of the second Thursday of each month! Join us for an opportunity to connect with other SB'ers over a glass and to find out what's new. Or just stop by to say hi!

Fri, 02/10: Ballard Knitters for the Homeless

Learn to knit! Learn new knitting skills! Bring yarn and needles if you have them - and some to share with those who don't if you can. Jody Grage is leading this group for anyone who would enjoy getting together monthly to knit simple hats and scarves for community members who do not have a warm home this Fall and Winter. No prior experience necessary! Jody will teach easy, pretty patterns and walk you through your project.

Repeats every second Friday, same time and place. All welcome!

Sat, 02/11: Golden Gardens Reforestation and Trails Work Party

Hello Friends,

Join us on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am - 12 pm for our monthly Golden Gardens Reforestation and Trails (GGREAT) work party. We will be planting, mulching and removing invasives. All are welcome and no RSVP is required for this event. Please invite your friends!

Please bring sturdy work shoes, long pants, water and any snacks you may want. We will provide gloves and tools. We will meet near the off-leash area north of the upper parking lot (outside of the restrooms). You can find directions to the upper lot here.

We are expecting a large delivery of plants at the end of February, so mark your calendars for planting at GGREAT on Saturday, March 10!

While we love them, please be sure to leave pets at home for the work party.

Please email us with any questions or concerns.

Hope to see you Saturday, February 11, 2012!

-Golden Gardens' Forest Stewards

Sun, 02/12: Special Sunset Hill Community Meeting

The Sunset Hill Community Association Board of Trustees is asking all of our neighbors to help determine the future of SHCA.

Our revenue is decreasing, our expenses are increasing, and we don't have enough actively involved members to accomplish all the tasks associated with running the facility.

We need to hear our neighbors' opinions about whether the Association still has a role to play in the community. At this general meeting, we can openly address the state of the Association and what we can do to achieve sustainability.

Our questions to you: Can this organization survive as a viable business? Should we change our model of operation, make hard decisions regarding the future of the facility, and perhaps close or sell the clubhouse?

Can we count on you to participate?

Sat, 02/18: Carkeek STARS Volunteer Work Party

Join other enthusiastic volunteers for a fun morning of forest restoration and trails maintenance. We have a wide variety of tasks you can help with. We provide gloves and water (we encourage you to bring your own bottle of water, to reduce plastic waste). Please wear sturdy shoes. Suitable for teens and older. Follow the STARS signs to our meeting place. We're here the third Saturday of every month. Welcome!

Mon, 02/27: Sustainable Ballard Monthly Gathering

SDOT has announced funding for 11 miles of neighborhood greenways in the Seattle area (2 miles in Ballard). Join Sustainable Ballard as we host a panel to discuss the new Ballard Greenways plan. Speakers include: Colin Dietrich (Ballard Greenways), Cathy Tuttle (Neighborhood Greenways & Spokespeople) and Sally Bagshaw (Seattle City Council).

• Neighborhood Greenways are slow-speed, low-traffic residential streets made even more pleasant for the people who live, walk, and bike on them. By adding new park-like amenities and limiting cut-through traffic, Greenways are naturally attractive both for families, and for anyone seeking a safer, more connected community experience. By placing Greenways a block or two away from major arterials, Neighborhood Greenways create a great option for people who prefer to walk or bike away from congested streets.

Links:
Worldchanging article about Spokespeople
MyBallard article about latest plans

Wed, 02/29: Wine Tasting at Sunset Hill Community Association

Wine tasting at Sunset Hill Community Association.

Celebrating wines made by women, selected by co-sponsor Sunset Hill Green Market.

Cost: $25. Register on line at http://www.sunsethillcommunity.com/, or by mail at SHCA 3003 NW 66th St., Seattle, WA  98117.