My Ballard » Ballard

Ballardites band together to help woman in need

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:12:09 +0000

It began with a post from “Lurkerbee” in the My Ballard forum asking for ideas on how to sell a few possessions, including her grandmother’s jewelry, to raise money for a rent payment. “I need to come up with some money in the next couple of days,” she explained. “It really is tough being unemployed.”

The forum post exploded as readers offered ideas on how to help. One idea was to throw a yard sale, and WildernessBarbie offering the front yard of her house to hold the event. “Hey! This is shaping up to be a plan!” wrote PennyGirl. “Could we patch something together in the next 24 hours?”

That was Thursday night, and this Saturday morning, nearly two dozen Ballardites dropped off hundreds of items to sell at a yard sale to raise money for Lurkerbee. A steady stream of people bought clothing, books, furniture and even a chandelier, raising over $900.

“It’s amazing,” said Lurkerbee at the event, who doesn’t want her real name publicized. “I don’t know what to say.” A few hours later, she posted a note on the forum. “Thank you all for your time, your emotional support, your items for the sale, thank you WildernessBarbie for the use of your home, and most of all, thank you all so much for caring about a complete stranger,” she wrote. “I will never forget it. Never in a million years did I anticipate this.”

The night before, a few dozen Ballard residents gathered at Golden Gardens Park in an impromptu get-together organized on the forum.

Many wore name tags displaying their forum names and avatars, printed up by iPlod, who wore his tag on his hat. They passed around a donation bucket for Lurkerbee which read, “Ballardites helping Ballardites.”

“There are so many times when we feel the internet is something that keeps us distant,” said SunriseSunset, who helped organize the yard sale, and recently turned 71 years old. “It brought us all together through the internet. It’s more like the old days in Ballard — I’ve been here since 1943 — that we can get together, meet each other, have fun and help each other.”

Police looking for armed robbery suspect

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:29:25 +0000

Early this morning, Guardian One, the King County Sheriff’s helicopter, was sent over Ballard in search of an armed robbery suspect.

Police tell us that at approximately 2:45 a.m., officers responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 3200 block of NW 54th (likely the 7-Eleven there). The suspect took cash from the register and left. Officers contained the area and K9 attempted to track him, but he wasn’t located.

According to police, the suspect is described as a black male, in his 40’s, 5’08”, wearing a gray jacket. He was wearing a heavy black ski cap pulled low on his face, and was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. This description also matches that of an armed robbery that happened an hour and a half earlier in the 13000 block of Roosevelt Way NE. (Thank you Silver for the tip!)

Abandoned boat demolished at Golden Gardens

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:29:51 +0000

Earlier this week we published pictures of an abandoned sailboat that washed up on the shores of Golden Gardens.

Lunchtime at Golden Gardens from Andrius Simutis on Vimeo.

Andrius sent us this video. “I was down there for lunch yesterday and came across a crew from the parks department who dragged the boat out, smashed it into pieces and carted it off to the dump,” he writes in an email, “The employee I chatted with says they get a few of these a year throughout the parks and that they log their hours and costs involved and bill it to the owner of the boat.”

The weekend events calendar

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:08:26 +0000

Saturday at 10:32 a.m. is the official start to spring and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.

Friday evening is a gathering of MyBallard readers at Golden Gardens. The event starts around 5-ish. Look for the MyBallard.com sign. More info here.

This is the final weekend of the Ballard High School spring musical. The final two performances are Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased here.

There will be a work party at Ballard Corners Park (17th Ave NW and NW 62nd/63rd) on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon(ish). The group will be weeding and pruning. Please bring your own pruners, a weeding tool, and a small container (a 5-gallon bucket is ideal) for collecting debris.

Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Sustainable Ballard will screen the movie “Good Food” at the Sunset Hill Community Clubhouse (3003 NW 66th St).

For live music, check out the calendars for Tractor Tavern, Sunset Tavern, Picolinos, Conor Byrne and Egan’s Ballard Jam House. As always, check out our events calendar. And if you have an event to add, just email us at tips@myballard.com.

Portlock becomes new Trident retail store

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:25:11 +0000

Trident Seafoods bought Portlock six years ago. Now, the Ballard-based company is changing the focus of the retail store at 2821 NW Market St. Just a few weeks ago, the merchandise inside the store went from strictly salmon, to “quick, quality food beyond salmon,” store manager Lo Reichert tells us. This is the first retail location for Trident.

The signs along Market Street prompted Robby to email us the above photo. “I’ve met lots of people who’ve worked for Trident, new retail location is cool!” he writes.

When we stopped by Thursday afternoon there was a steady stream of people. Some were buying the natural fillets, some went for the salmon burgers and others wanted fish sticks. One man bought up two boxes of smoked salmon for his in-laws in Florida. For $7.95/pound, Reichert says you can’t find a better deal on the hot smoked salmon anywhere. (Not pictured.)

“We really do the bounty of the sea. We do Alaska seafood,” Reichert explains. The new focus on the store means there is more selection of seafood, but don’t worry, the Portlock brand will still be there.

Say goodbye to winter with your neighbors

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:26:37 +0000

Although today feels like spring, it’s really the last day of winter. Come say goodbye to winter with other Ballardites this evening at Golden Gardens. There is a group in the forum planning a meet-up starting around 5 p.m. and going into the evening. Come out, say hi, meet your neighbors and bid this season farewell. Just look for the MyBallard.com banner.

Sewage overflow options for North Beach area

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:02:14 +0000

In older parts of the King County sewage system, both rain water and sewage travel down the same pipes to the wastewater treatment plant. During heavy rains, these pipes often overflow sending the untreated water directly into Puget Sound. This is called “Combined Sewer Overflow” or CSO. One of the trouble spots is in the North Beach area.

Three alternatives to combat CSO in this area have been identified:

The first is to create underground storage at Blue Ridge Park (shown above.) This project would include above ground odor control and electrical facilities. Details on this alternative can be found here.

The second option is to create an underground storage pipe on NW Blue Ridge Drive, in the street right-of-way (shown above.) This, too, would have above ground odor control. Details on this alternative can be found here.

The final alternative is to create a pump station at Blue Ridge Park with above ground odor control and electrical facilities, an underground storage tank in Blue Ridge Park, new force mains from pump station to Holman Road NW, gravity sewer to 8th Avenue Interceptor drop structure on Seattle Parks property at Crown Hill (partially shown above.) Details on this option can be found here.

The King County CSO Beach Project team is looking for questions, concerns and suggestions from the community. “Public input will help to inform King County’s decision to define a proposal for CSO control in the North Beach basin. The proposal will then go through the environmental review process required by state law,” the website states. You can fill out this form until April 16th.

There will also be a community meeting on this project on Tuesday, March 30 at the Loyal Heights Community Center (2101 NW 77th St) from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

‘Rock the Gardens’ looking for Ballard teen bands

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:52:31 +0000

Is your teen is ready to take the band out of the garage and make a public appearance? This summer could be their big break.

Each year the Loyal Heights Community Center hosts “Rock the Gardens,” a teen-only concert series at the Golden Garden Bathhouse. Melissa Valenzuela, the Recreation Center Coordinator emailed us to say they are in search of local Loyal Heights and Ballard teen bands to play on the following dates: 7/9, 7/23, 8/20, and 8/27. Bands can contact the teen leader, Alexis Govan, at alexis.govan@seattle.gov or 206-684-4052 for more information.

New campaign launches to keep Ballard friendly

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:06:39 +0000

There’s been a lot of discussion on MyBallard about the car campers, the homeless sleeping in front of the library and the alleged drug activity in our neighborhoods. Now, a new campaign has launched to combat unsafe behavior.

KeepBallardFriendly.org has launched with the goal of educating Ballardites about who to call when you see or hear illegal activity. “If the City recognizes (by getting thousands of phone calls on a consistent basis) that there is a problem here, then the experts who we pay to solve these issues, can be directed to work on a long term solution,” the website states.

Besides the non-emergency line on the blue flyer above, here are the phone numbers listed on the site:
North Precinct Community Policing Team – (206) 684-0794
Report Camped Vehicles – (206) 684-8763
Report Graffiti – (206) 684-7587
Report Trash Carts – (206) 684-7587
Report Encampments – (206) 684-2849

The documentation and plan of action (.pdf) outlines eleven different “problem areas,” shown in the map above.

“The end goal would be that all Ballardites would know this number, have it programmed into their cell phones, etc. and that they would use it whenever they see unsafe behavior or unsafe environments,” according to the plan of action document.

Updated: From keepballardfriendly in the forum:

I am Hovie Hawk, a long time Ballard resident who is the spokesperson for the Keep Ballard Friendly campaign. Even though conspiracy theories abound regarding our group, I can assure you that we’re just normal Ballard residents; moms, dads, young, old, who found ourselves concerned about certain troubling things happening in Ballard and decided to try and do something rather than just sit around and complain about it.

Even though I am a member of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, founder of inballard.com and a board member of the In Ballard Merchants Association, those organizations are not part of this. We did talk with them, the Seattle Police Department, and the Assistant City Attorney in creating this plan in the hopes of building the best possible plan. They provided comments, advice, critiques, etc. which we sifted through to develop the current plan. But, again, none of those organizations are part of our group.

We are not trying to run anyone out of town or implement some super secret plan to undermine the City. We’re just people looking for the City to notice that we have some issues in Ballard and help us address them. I would welcome any questions people have regarding our group and its intensions.

New dim sum restaurant opening nearby

Geeky Swedes — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:38:22 +0000

Finding dim sum in Ballard is just about impossible. In fact Yelp names La Carta De Oaxaca, the Mexican restaurant on Ballard Ave, as having the best dim sum in the neighborhood. That says a lot.

So while the new dim sum restaurant isn’t in Ballard, it is closer than the International District. It’s just in Wallingford (4900 Stone Way.) According to our sister site, My Wallingford, the former owner of House of Hong in the ID has decided to open his new Chinese restaurant, called Bamboo Village, in north Seattle.

Bamboo Village will serve dim sum all day everyday as well as Cantonese and Mandarin dishes. The new restaurant is slated to open in late May or early June. You can read more about the new restaurant here.

Play equipment removed after piece falls on student

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:51:20 +0000

One of the play structures at Salmon Bay School has been removed after a two-foot u-shape piece fell on a student.

According to Teresa Wippel with Seattle Public Schools, the principal closed the old equipment and had it assessed after the piece fell onto the second grader’s back. The student was not injured, the father told the principal. Once the equipment was deemed unsafe it was removed.

Wippel spoke with a member of the capital projects group who says there is no money in the budget to replace the old equipment. Some of the parents, according to Wippel, are talking about applying for a “self help grant,” (.pdf) although no decision has been made. (Thank you TumTum for first posting this in the forum.)

A lunchtime oxymoron in Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:12:01 +0000

We got a kick out of this sign at Zesto’s (6416 15th Ave NW).

(Thanks Bruce for the tip!)

Nearby: Green Bean, chicken food, Waldo Woods

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:40:53 +0000

Here are stories making headlines in nearby neighborhoods:

The Green Bean Coffeehouse is moving into the old McDonald’s location on Greenwood Ave in Greenwood.

Looking for chicken food? Wally Pets opens in Wallingford.

The Maple Leaf Community Council wins a four-year battle to save 80 douglas fir trees called “Waldo Woods”

The Interbay P-Patch will celebrate the opening of the food bank garden on March 30.

Starbucks in the Magnolia Village will be displaying artwork from students at Our Lady of Fatima

SDOT official is honest with Wedgwood Community Council about asphalt ramps saying, “Not our brightest moment.”

North Beach stacks up against the competition

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:16:43 +0000

Sport Stacking is an event that involves stacking special plastic cups into pyramids of three, six or ten cups in as little time as possible. Sounds easy until you see it in action.

Video of Melina Nilson in the ‘cycle’ preliminary round

This is the first year North Beach Elementary has sent a team to the NW Regional Sport Stacking Championships in Auburn and the first and second graders practically swept the medal rounds. Four of the students qualified for the individual finals in the age 7 and under division. In the finals, 2nd grader Maronne Suzuki took 1st place in each of the three individual events.

Sport Stacking coach Rett Hartmann with the medal winners

Here is how the North Beach students stacked against the competition:
3-3-3 Finals – Age 7 & under
1st place – Maronne Suzuki
4th place – Luke Sellers

3-6-3 Finals– Age 7 & under
1st place – Maronne Suzuki
2nd place – Charlie Cole
3rd place – Luke Sellers
5th place – Melina Nilson

Cycle Finals– Age 7 & under
1st place -Maronne Suzuki
2nd place-Charlie Cole
3rd place-Melina Nilson

And if you still think sport stacking looks easy, check out this kid. (Thank you Marla for emailing us!)

Grapefruit-sized tumor won’t stop BHS student

Geeky Swedes — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:36:19 +0000

Although John Dane, “JD” has baseball on his mind these days, things were much different just a few months ago. His touching story is the cover piece for Northwest Hospital’s Med Info magazine for March and April.

Back in October, JD, a junior at Ballard High School, was dealing with a slow-growing grapefruit-sized tumor that was taking over the left temporal lobe of his brain. Northwest Hospital neurogsurgeon Dr. Daniel Lazar told JD and his parents Christine and John, that surgery was the only option. “The temporal lobe may be one of the most important parts of our brain with respect to language, memory and the ability to understand,” Dr. Lazar says.

As a catcher for the Beavers team, JD was worried that he wouldn’t play baseball again. “Don’t worry, you’ll play ball again,” his dad assured him.

Shortly after the surgery in early November 2009, JD was passing all his assessment tests with flying colors. His speech, which is often affected by this type of brain surgery, was the most difficult for him. It didn’t take long to overcome those issues, Northwest Hospital speech pathologist Kara Baringer says.

After going through out-patient therapy, JD is back at Ballard High School right along with the other students and training for spring baseball. “I may have only half a brain but I am still smarter than most people,” he jokes.

You can read the entire story about how JD’s tumor was discovered, his fears and recovery here (.pdf).

(Photo courtesy: Gary Benson Photography)

Wind snaps big limb on Phinney Ridge

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:14:07 +0000

If you heard helicopters over east Ballard earlier today, it’s because of a large tree branch that has come down at NW 57th & Palatine.

Our sister site, PhinneyWood.com reported that police blocked the area with yellow police tape. No word on what caused the limb to fall, although the wind was pretty strong earlier today, which is likely the cause.

Ballard SeafoodFest changing weekends

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:20:52 +0000

In an attempt to draw more vendors and a bigger crowd, this year’s Ballard SeafoodFest will be earlier than previous years.

The crowd at the 2009 SeafoodFest.

The annual affair is chock full of food, arts & crafts, music and other events. It is historically held the last weekend of July but this year the Ballard Chamber of Commerce is moving it up two weeks to July 10th and 11th. “I have considered changing the date for the 10 years I’ve produced SeafoodFest, but finally bit the bullet, with the blessing of our committee,” Beth Williamson, the executive director of the Chamber tells us. The move, she says, is because the Bellevue Festival of the Arts is held the same weekend. In a letter sent to merchants from the Chamber, “This has seriously hampered our ability to recruit higher numbers of quality vendors. We simply can’t ‘compete’ with one of the largest festivals around.”

The Raggedy Anns perform during the 2009 SeafoodFest.

The KEXP Capitol Hill Block Party is also held the same weekend. “In short, SeafoodFest, always considered a food, arts and music festival, is going up against one of the nation’s largest arts festivals AND one of Seattle’s biggest music events,” the letter states.

The winner of the 2009 lutefisk eating contest is licking his plate clean.

The new weekend, July 10th and 11th does not conflict with any other major Seafair events. It does, however, affect the Merchants’ Sidewalk Sale, which has traditionally been held the same weekend as SeafoodFest. No word on if the sidewalk sale will also change weekends.

Plaque from Bergen Place Park found

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:39:12 +0000

Update: The plaque that describes the dedication of the mural at Bergen Place Park which was reported missing over the weekend has been found.

According to Rob Mattson, the Ballard District coordinator, businessman Art Olsen found the plaque on the ground Friday morning. Olsen was just honored last week by the District Council for his community service. Mattson is now working with the Friends of Bergen Place Park to have the plaque reinstalled.

Seattle Burger Company celebrates grand opening

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:53:29 +0000

The Seattle Burger Company, which opened last month at 2008 NW 56th St., is celebrating their grand opening.

William Wen, the owner of the burger joint tells us that as part of their celebration you’ll get a free order of fries or onion rings when you buy a burger and drink. He says they are also starting their burger-of-the-month special, which will either be a current menu-item or a new burger. This month it is the Bulgogi Burger. “It is a Korean marinated sliced beef accompanied with an Asian slaw, grilled onions and Wasabi mayo. It is quite good,” Wen says.

We’ve also added Seattle Burger Company to the restaurant guide, so if you’ve stopped in, give it a rating and leave a comment.

Neighbor warns of vehicle smash-and-grab

Geeky Swedes — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:33:57 +0000

Sidney emailed us about a recent smash-and-grab in the East Ballard area, east of 14th and south of 65th. Sidney writes:

My Toyota Corolla was broken into sometime between 11p Friday night and noon on Saturday, March 13. It was parked in our driveway (address omitted). The thieves broke out the rear driver-side window and stole our Garmin GPS and windshield bracket. Luckily, there was nothing else of value in the car and no other damage. I’ve reported it to the Seattle Police but thought others in our neighborhood ought to be alerted so they can avoid leaving things of value in their cars.

Spring break sports camp to keep kids busy

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:11:22 +0000

Are you looking for something to do with the munchkins during spring break? The Ballard Boys & Girls Club is offering a week-long spring break sports camp for kids 8 to 12 years old. The kids will have an action-packed week of basketball, flag football, soccer and volleyball. The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with extended AM or PM care available for $30 extra dollars. The camp itself costs $135.

D’Ambrosio Gelato to open on Ballard Ave

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:36:58 +0000

There’s soon to be a new gelato shop in Ballard.

D’Ambrosio Gelato is getting ready to open at 5339 Ballard Ave. We stopped by and spoke with the owner over the weekend. With a thick Italian accent he told us that he has years of gelato experience. He decided to open D’Ambrosio on Ballard Avenue because it reminds him of a little Italian street. He hopes to be scooping gelato by mid-April.

Plaque disappears from Bergen Place Park

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:02:22 +0000

The plaque that sits beneath the mural at Bergen Place Park is missing.

Picture of the plaque during a work party last year. Courtesy Tim Hunter.

During a work party on Saturday, one of the volunteers noticed the plaque, which describes the dedication of the mural by the King and Queen of Norway in 1995, wasn’t there. The bolts which held the plaque down are still intact.

Victoria Sangrey Hunter, the volunteer coordinator for Friends of Bergen Place, hopes the community and scrap metal places will keep their eye out for the plaque. If found, it can be returned to the Nordic Heritage Museum to her attention or email v.sangrey@comcast.net. “It means a great deal to Friends of Bergen Place and citizens of Ballard and outlying areas,” Sangrey Hunter says, “I am truly saddened by this and hope for a happy ending.”

Update: The plaque was found on the ground by local businessman Art Olsen. More information can be found here.

Mars Hill members sponsor ‘meet your neighbors night’

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:43:53 +0000

Ballardeer posted a link to a photo of this flyer in the forum wondering if anyone knew anything about the event. “Three people just came to the door handing out flyers for a “meet your neighbor night” next Monday, March 15 at Leif Erickson Hall. They said it was a chance to meet your neighbors and hear about local service organizations, like Habitat For Humanity,” Ballardeer writes, “The flyer has no Web site and no information about who’s organizing the event. It has a picture of a lighthouse and the tagline: “meet. greet. know. love.”

Cliff Ellis with Mars Hill Church confirms that the church members are sponsoring the event. Here is information on the event. Organizations that are listed as participating are: Ballard Food Bank, East Ballard Neighborhood Association, Volunteer Chore Services, Groundswell NW, YoungLife and YouthWise.

Updated: According to Nick Bogardus, the Media Relations Director for Mars Hill church, this is apparently not a Mars Hill Church-hosted event. “The event is being paid for and hosted by people who live in Ballard, who go to the church, and who simply want to help partner with other Ballardites and respected organizations to help make Ballard an even better place to live.” In regards to the flyer: “The flyers were a mistake and we’re taking measures to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again. Mars Hill attendance is the size of Snoqualmie or Snohomish. We encourage our members to be involved and active in their local communities but we can’t, nor do we want to, monitor everything that is done. We hope your readers can see through that mistake to the real underlying heart of the effort; people who love Ballard and who want to help make it better.”

Updated #2: From Nancy McKinney, the Executive Director of the Ballard Food Bank in comments, “Ballard Food Bank will not be present at the forum this evening. The reason is solely because of the lack of transparency in advertising of this event. We were very interested in show casing our volunteer opportunities – just not in this fashion. As a point of interest, our policy is to provide for client’s need in a manner sensitive to the dignity of the individuals. Services are provided to all persons in need regardless of race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin or sexual orientation. The same goes for our volunteers.”

Scenes from around Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:18:32 +0000

We received a couple of pictures over the weekend that we wanted to share of scenes from around the area.

The slogan “Free Ballard” isn’t just for cars. Tom with Fremont Tugboat Co. sent this photo along and says, “Thought I would send along this pic of a rig we towed out of drydock. Here is a vessel owner with a good sense of humor. I think the old name was the Aleutian Ballad. This same company is always painting something new on the boats.”

John sent us this photo and says, “Longtime Ballard Resident skateboarder Kevin Schlosser taking his turn in the sun in the Ballard Bowl Sunday morning.”

Although we snapped this photo ourselves, the idea came from Elliott in the forum. Elliott writes, “If you’re a fan of cherry blossoms, check out the amazing trees in Sunset Hill on 33rd & 80th, extending south for a couple of blocks. They are spectacular right now! There are old gnarly trees (who’s roots are creating havoc with the sidewalks), as well as younger trees. Beautiful!”

Fleet blessed at Fishermen’s Terminal

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:04:42 +0000

For the 82nd straight year, a gathering at Fishermen’s Terminal prayed for the safety of the men and women who harvest fish in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. This year, the captain and crew of Ariel received the blessing.

“Be with us now as we consecrate the vessel, Ariel and bless all the labors of those who work at sea,” said Pastor Erik Weiberg from Ballard First Lutheran Church. As is customary, he handed the captain a symbolic flag.

Brian Wartman accepted the flag and handed it to his son and co-captain, Adam, who raised it above the boat. A family operation, Ariel will head to Alaska in June to fish for salmon. Also at today’s ceremony, Mayor Mike McGinn, Rep. Reuven Carlyle, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, King County Council Chairperson Bob Ferguson and Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryan.

This was the first time in 21 years that Rev. Malcolm Unseth, who passed away last April, did not conduct the blessing of the fleet. A tile has been placed in his honor at the Fishermen’s Memorial.

One of the names placed among flowers at the base of the memorial is Capt. Phil Harris, best known for his role in “Deadliest Catch.” He died in February after suffering a stroke off-loading crab in Alaska. Fishing is one of the nation’s most dangerous professions, especially here in the Northwest.

Abandoned sailboat washes up at Golden Gardens

Geeky Swedes — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:50:16 +0000

Folks visiting the north end of Golden Gardens today were surprised to discover an abandoned sailboat washed up on shore. Tom sent us this photo of beachgoers giving it a look. “It looks like a home-built sailboat that’s had a rough life in the last few days,” writes My Ballard reader Eric.

“The deck, keel and cabin have been ripped off, and the interior is completely gone, or was never finished in the first place. There wasn’t any water in it, which indicates that the bottom has some holes,” Eric said.

My Ballard reader Blaine emailed us Thursday to report that he saw the sailboat floating off shore. “It’s been there and visible for at least three days and today it is mostly submerged,” he said. A few days before that, Dan emailed to say he saw the boat “submerged to its cabin,” and the Coast Guard had checked to ensure there were no people in danger.

We’re checking with the Parks Department to see what they plan to do with the beat-up boat. (Thanks Eric, Tom, Blaine and Dan for your tips!)

The weekend events calendar

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:51:45 +0000

Don’t forget to “spring forward” tonight. Daylight Saving Time starts at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.

Ballard High School students perform “The Secret Garden” for their spring musical Saturday evening at Ballard High School. Final performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets available here.

Photo from last October’s work party at Salmon Bay Natural Area.

There is a Salmon Bay Natural Area work party Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Gloves, tools, water, warm beverages, light refreshments, and safety equipment will be provided. The Salmon Bay Natural Area is at NW 54th St @ 34th Ave NW, next to The Canal.

St. Paul’s UCC Church (6512 12th Ave NW) will be holding a rummage sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Adams Elementary School is hosting their silent auction is Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ballard Community Center. The silent auction, which is open to the community is a great opportunity to score some great deals from local vendors who have generously donated to the school. Preview auction items here.

Stoke Strategy (5816 – 24th Ave. NW) will be hosting a $10 dress sale during the Ballard Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday benefiting The Ruby Room. All dresses are in excellent condition and run the gamut from elegant cocktail dresses to paint-the-town-red dresses. Some are brand new, some have only been one once. All are only $10 and there’s no limit to how many you take home.

Sunday at 2 p.m. is the 82nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet. Ballard First Lutheran will continue their tradition of blessing the fishing fleet and the men and women who risk their lives at sea. The event takes place at the Fishermen’s Memorial site at Fishermen’s Terminal.

The Groundswell NW Annual meeting will be held on Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Loyal Heights Community Center (2101 NW 77th St). Mayor Mike McGinn will be there to discuss his plans for green infrastructure in northwest Seattle.

Nearby: Fred Meyer, body found, Irish mystery

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:21:10 +0000

A few stories from our nearby North Seattle neighborhoods…

- Greenwood neighbors grill Fred Meyer, city over environmental concerns
- Historic Wallingford bar Goldie’s is up for sale
- Woman’s body discovered along quiet road in Wedgwood
- Aurora Ave. to be closed Sunday AM for St. Patrick’s parade
- 151-year-old Irish walking club disappears days before parade

Picture perfect kiteboarding at Golden Gardens

Geeky Swedes — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:55:50 +0000

When the weather is just perfect, Jim Stringfellow has one thing on his mind: kiteboarding.

Stringfellow lives and breathes this sport. “You wake up, the first thing you want to do is look at the wind readings,” he told us recently at Golden Gardens. “If it’s blowing, you figure out how you can call in sick or rearrange your work so you can get away for a few hours. I do that on a daily basis.” Thankfully Stringfellow is self-employed and has more flexibility than some. When he’s out kiting “I tell customers I’m at a board meeting,” he says with a chuckle. Pun intended.

“It’s a plus when we can kite here,” Stringfellow says of Golden Gardens. “This is probably, in my opinion, the most picturesque beach in the whole state. You’ve got the beautiful Olympics and you’ve got the marina right there.”

Friday’s weather was perfect for kiteboarding. With wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour this afternoon, you can bet that kiteboarders like Stringfellow was out at Golden Gardens.