Hey Phinney-Greenwood: Take the Challenge!

As the weather (finally) warms up, here at the PNA we’re getting ready for Bike Month in May. For the first time, the PNA will be fielding a team for the Group Health Commute Challenge, a month-long challenge organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club. Each team member commits to biking to work at least four times during the month, and the more miles we bike, the higher we rank against other teams throughout Seattle. There are great prizes and events, plus the fun of joining over 10,000 other bike commuters in the region during the month.

We’re issuing a challenge to our neighbors, both businesses and residents: form a team and compete with us in the Commute Challenge this May! When you sign up, join the Phinney-Greenwood “League” through the online portal, and we’ll see who bikes the most miles, the most days, and who recruits the most new commuters.

If you do start bike commuting, make sure to stop by our commute station on May 20, Bike to Work Day. We'll be set up in Heart of Phinney Park at 67th & Greenwood from 6-9am.

Visit http://commutechallenge.cascade.org/ to find out more information and to sign up.

Urban Light Studios Serves Up 'Potluck' Art Exhibit During Art Walk

Every Artist Brings Something to the Table in this Group Show

More than 30 Seattle area artists will bring something to the table for “Potluck” a new mixed media exhibit at URBAN LIGHT STUDIOS opening Friday May 13 6 – 10 pm) and extending through Saturday May 14 (noon-6pm) during the BIG May Greenwood-Phinney Art Walk.

During this exhibit, URBAN LIGHT STUDIOS will also host a raffle to raise money for our neighbors and friends at the Greenwood Food Bank. To participate in the raffle, guests will be invited to donate $1 or a non-perishable food item. Art lovers can win raffle prizes from sponsors Vans Shoes, Boundary Bay Brewery (Bellingham), Snowboard Connection, Mighty-O-Donuts, Nectar Lounge, Scream Salon, Family Fortune Clothing, Electric Coffin, Paper Diamonds Clothing as well as featured art work from participating artists and much more.

Raffle drawings will take place on Friday, May 13 at 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm in the MainSpa@ce at URBAN LIGHT STUDIOS.

Participating artists include co-curators Solace and Kevin Law as well as a diverse mix of paintings, photography and installations featuring iconic food related imagery from artists like 179, Quincy Quigg, Sensei 23, EGO, PGee13, Rob Ripley, Xavier Lopez, Kali Meadows, Carlos Aguilar, John Osgood, Joey Nix, Joe Vollan, Joseph “2h” McSween and more.

The Northwest Seattle Food Bank in Greenwood serves more than 3,000 individuals, families, children, seniors, and disabled individuals who live in the area and need a 3 day or 9 meal emergency supply of supplemental food. This organization strives to make lasting changes in the lives of families, children, and seniors in our Greenwood community.

URBAN LIGHT STUDIOS is located at 8537 Greenwood Ave N

URBAN LIGHT STUDIOS is a photo studio, gallery and event venue in the Greenwood neighborhood dedicated to exhibiting striking and innovative artwork from local and national artists. Housed in the iconic Greenwood Collective building, the gallery has been lovingly restored, preserving its 80-year old industrial character and heritage. Opening a new exhibit the second Friday of each month to coincide with Art Up Greenwood-Phinney monthly Art Walk, the gallery will offer the art community a unique experience, showing works by both well known and undiscovered artists that can't be seen elsewhere.

Urban Cycling Techniques, April 27th and 30th

Biking is a great way to get around Seattle. In fact, the Seattle Department of Transportation estimates that approximately 36% of Seattle's 520,000 citizens engage in recreational bicycling, and between 4,000 and 8,000 people bicycle commute in Seattle each day (http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeprogram.htm). According to an article in Bicycling, Seattle is ranked 4th out of America’s Top 50 Bike Friendly Cities. Seattle currently has “about 45 miles of shared use paths, 120 miles of on-street, striped bike lanes and sharrows, and about 120 miles of signed bike routes.” (Seattle Department of Transportation, http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeprogram.htm). Seattle is also working on a Bicycle Master Plan (scheduled to be completed in 2016) that aims to increase bike usage and access and decrease the number of bike accidents.

But, no matter how many bike lanes there may be, if you don’t have the information and skills you need, biking in the city can feel intimidating. Do I ride with the traffic or next to it? What if there isn’t a bike lane? How do I clearly let cars know when I intend to turn? If you’re like me and find this all a little daunting, then the Urban Cycling Techniques course at the PNA, in partnership with the Cascade Bicycle Club, may be what you’ve been looking for.

Through this course, recreational or transportational cyclists will gain the knowledge to make informed decisions while riding in traffic and the confidence to balance caution, assertiveness and the skills necessary for safer urban riding. The course is just in time to help you prepare for Bike Month (May 2011), when over 10,000 people participate in the Group Health Commute Challenge. This class will give you the skills you need to start commuting next month.

The evening lecture session (on Wednesday, April 27th, 6-9pm) will be followed by an on-your-bike practice session—bring a working bike and proper helmet to the Saturday (April 30th, 10am-3pm) session.

To register call 206.783.2244. This course costs $80 for PNA members and $85 for the public. So register today and gain the information and practice you need to be a safe and confidence urban cyclist, just in time for spring!

Movie Screening and Panel Discussion: "Ten More Good Years"

The unique challenges facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders explored in documentary film Ten More Good Years

Cultural Engagement Film Series
Phinney Neighborhood Association

Sunday, May 1, 2011
3:00 to 5:30 pm, film screening followed by a panel discussion

Community Hall, Brick Building, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave North, Seattle, 98103

The Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) will host a screening of Ten More Good Years on Sunday, May 1, 3 pm – 5:30 pm, in Community Hall in the Brick Building at the PNA, 6532 Phinney Ave North, Seattle, 98103. 206-783-2244. Approximately one hour long, the film will be followed by a panel discussion.

There is limited seating for screenings and discussions, therefore, RSVPs are encouraged. Please contact Katie Parker at katiep@phinneycenter.org.

Film Summary
The lives and challenges of LGBT elders is the focus of Ten More Good Years. Directed and produced by the president of LookOut Film, Inc., Michael Jacoby, the film introduces LGBT elders who share stories of their lives and LGBT history. Their stories reveal governmental and social injustices, making visible what being gay is now and what being gay and growing old in the United States will be. A generation of LGBT people who fought for their right to be out, proud, and equal are being forced back into the closet and silenced once again. The elders interviewed in the film share their concerns for their own future and for future generations of LGBT men and women. The goal of the discussion is to spark deeper conversations about how the community can understand and support LGBT elders.

Cultural Engagement Film Series
The Cultural Engagement Film Series presents screenings and discussions with a focus on racial and social justice issues. The film series explores society’s social institutions and how systems and behavior perpetuate and reinforce discriminatory practices and inequities. Through screenings and facilitated discussions, the PNA intends to build a comfortable community space for education and thought – provoking conversations about important social topics.

Origami Classes at the PNA

Why is modern origami so exhilarating? Learn how to make origami models and read origami diagrams. Each class will focus on one aspect. For beginning or intermediate folders. Robert has taught origami for six years. This year he has given talks on origami, taught, and published designs/papers in Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, the UK, and the United States.

Origami Introduction by Robert Orndorff
Thursdays, April 28-May 19, 6:30-8:30 pm
Room 6, PNA Blue Building
$20 PNA member, $25 General Public
Call 206.783.2244 right away to register!

2011 Local Giving Fair -- Looking for Planning Committee Volunteers!

The Greenwood Senior Center is very excited to begin gathering volunteers for the second annual Local Giving Fair. The Local Giving Fair is a project of the Greenwood Senior Center’s civic engagement program and provides a space for local non-profit organizations working on a range of social justice, environmental, and human rights issues to connect with community members wishing to learn more and make donations to support these projects.

Currently, we are looking for people interested in offering their skills as committee members. Volunteering as a committee member is a great way to get event planning experience for a special community event and to support organizations addressing social justice and human rights issues in our community, all the while working with a wonderful group of fellow volunteers.

The senior center will be holding a community meeting for people interested in learning more about the Local Giving Fair and what volunteering as a committee member entails on Wednesday, May 4th, from noon-1pm at the Green Bean Coffee House (8533 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle 98103). The Green Bean provides delicious lunch and other snacks that you can purchase. Otherwise, feel free to bring a bagged lunch if you’d like to eat. (If you are purchasing food, please give yourself adequate time so that the meeting can begin promptly at noon. Thanks!).

If you plan to attend, please let Emily at the Greenwood Senior Center know (emilyb@phinneycenter.org/ (206) 297-0875). If you are unable to make this meeting but are interested in being a part of the committee, or have any questions, please call or email Emily at the senior center.

Thank you!

Bike Maintenance Class Next Week

Got a bike in the basement that hasn’t seen the road for a while? Or a new shiny one that you want to stay shiny? Are you ready to start learning about how your bike actually works?

The PNA has partnered with Cascade Bicycle Club to bring a Basic Bike Maintenance class to the neighborhood. On Wednesday, April 20, 7-9pm you can bring your bike to Community Hall for hands-on maintenance experience.

This class will help you get your bike ready for spring biking, and especially Bike Month in May!

To sign up, call the PNA at 206-783-2244. And don’t miss Urban Cycling Techniques on April 27 & 30!

Village Volunteers seeking recommendations

The PNA Village is a new program in development to help support community members who prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. One program component is referrals to reputable, local service providers (individuals, businesses, organizations) in various categories. All providers will be screened before being added to our referral list, so we do prefer those who are licensed, insured, bonded, etc. although exceptions may be made. Our volunteer Referrals & Partnerships Committee is currently seeking suggestions in three areas:

Technical Support Services

• “In-home” computer support or training


• “Drop-off” computer troubleshooting and repairs


• Other forms of tech support

Pet-Related Services

• Dog walkers

• Businesses or individuals that will come to your home and feed your pet (and perhaps take in your mail and newspaper)

• Businesses or individuals that will clean up dog poop in your yard

• Vets

• Spay and neuter facilities

• Overnight and longer-stay facilities for dogs, cats, or other pets

• Pet stores

Handy-Person Services

• Small carpentry jobs (i.e. installing drapery rods/blinds, shelving, fixing loose steps, repairing railings)


• General clean-up and hauling


• Minor wall repair, patching, and painting


• Locksmith


• Organizing


• Rearranging furnishings


• Furniture repair


• This category does NOT include major construction or trades such as plumbing or electrical.
  
  Please email your suggestions directly to Judith@phinneycenter.org to be forwarded to committee members. We prefer that you not post your recommendations here because they have not yet been approved. THANKS!

Bring Comfort and Joy to Kids in Need!

Hooray for spring, a time for celebration! Are you looking ahead to a holiday, milestone, or other special occasion sometime soon? Whether you are shopping around for spring holiday treats for a little child, a birthday present, or a graduation gift, we ask you to remember the young people in our community whose families can't provide gifts on such special occasions.

Childhaven and Broadview Emergency Shelter are Seattle-based agencies that provide vital services for children and teens affected by domestic abuse, child abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty, and other tough challenges. Each year, the PNA hosts a gift drive to supply special treats for these agencies to give to children to brighten a special day.

Help us bring comfort and joy to kids in need. Purchase a new item you think a child aged infant through 18 years would enjoy. Ideas include craft supplies, toys, books, puzzles, board games, video games, journals, sports, equipment, mp3 players, and gift cards to stores such as Fred Meyer, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Supercuts. More specific suggestions are on display at the Phinney Center.

Return unwrapped donations to the Phinney Center or Greenwood Senior Center by Thursday, April 14. The gift will be delivered to an appreciative young person on a special day in their lives.

Thank you for your generosity!

PNA Funding At Risk - Call Your Senator by April 7th

Good news! This week’s House Capital Budget fully funded the Heritage Capital Projects Fund, 29 projects from around the state including $995,000 for PNA’s Blue Building Renovation. While this is exciting news, we’re not done yet. With over $5 million raised to date, this grant is very significant in reaching our goal of $7 million to complete Phase II of the Community Begins Here Capital Campaign.

We need your help today to ensure this level of funding from the Senate. The Senate is finalizing the budget as we speak. It is URGENT that your Senators hear how important it is to you – their constituents – that their budget fully funds the HCPF.

NOW is the time to act. In the next 24 hours, please contact your Senators by email or phone to send these TWO simple messages:

1) Please fund the HCPF at the same level as the House – the full $10 million; and
2) Ask them to contact Senator Kilmer with the message that this is a high priority for their district (Sen. Kilmer is Vice-chair and lead on putting together the Capital budget).

Some tips we learned in Olympia this morning about how to MOST effectively contact our Senators during this time-sensitive period:

• Your email “Subject” line should indicate that you are a constituent from their district;
• Be sure to personalize in some way your email (e.g. mention the PNA’s project); and
• Best method is to email your Senator; the second best method is to call his/her legislative aid directly. If you leave a message, be sure to indicate that you are a constituent!

Click HERE to find your Senator and their contact information, and here’s the Senators’ emails in the three closest legislative districts to PNA.

Finally, we cannot stress more that…

THIS IS THE FINAL STRETCH! Together, we’ve accomplished more than many thought was possible. Your emails/calls WILL make a difference. Please make contact with your Senators in the next 24 hours. Let’s do this, team!

Lee Harper, PNA Executive Director

Let’s Bike Phinney-Greenwood!

You asked for it—bike classes are coming to the PNA! In response to requests from the community, and to support our continuing efforts towards sustainability, the PNA has partnered with Cascade Bicycle Club to offer three bike classes in April. The classes will help participants get ready for spring biking and bike month in May.

To encourage biking in the neighborhood, the PNA, with the help of Sustainable Greenwood-Phinney, is organizing a campaign called Let’s Bike Phinney-Greenwood in April and May. In addition to the classes, the campaign will celebrate Bike Month with several neighborhood events. Find out more about the bike classes, and other spring classes on our website.
So why bike?

• For Health. With warmer spring weather, biking makes great, enjoyable exercise. Three hours of biking per week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%. Whether for recreation or transportation, biking can burn 400 calories per hour. Go up and down the ridge, and it may be significantly more than that!


• To Save Money. Owning a car can cost $10,000 per year, including maintenance, insurance, depreciation, and fuel. Even if you don’t give up a car, relying more on biking for transportation insulates you from rising fuel costs.


• For a Better Environment. Significant savings in greenhouse gas emissions are just one of many environmental benefits of biking. Driving less reduces other air pollutants, like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and particulate matter, and it reduces water pollution from non-point sources—the largest pollution sources in Puget Sound. Biking requires significantly less pavement for lanes and parking than driving does, creating less storm-water run-off which reduces water pollution and sewer overflows.


• For Better Communities. Biking has significant benefits for communities. Bicyclists are more likely to spend money at local businesses, and the money they save on transportation frees up disposable income. About 12 bikes can be parked in one car space, so biking contributes to dense, walkable neighborhoods. Like walking, biking allows for more interaction on the streets, building community—which is what the PNA is all about.