Groundswell NW has been supporting the East Ballard Community Association for almost 10 years now. Here’s a way we can show our support in return! Groundswell NW’s Annual Meeting,  ‘Inspiring Access to Wildlife in NW Seattle’ on Sunday Feb 21, 6:30 PM at the Leif Erikson Lodge, will prove to be inspiring with 2 great speakers, Cass Turnbull from PlantAmnesty and David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation. Plus there will be free drawings for donated gifts that will help you create and register your own wildlife habitat that attracts birds, butterflies and bees to NW Seattle. We’re looking forward to seeing you at this fun and interactive event!

Back in November, the Seattle Parks Dept gathered feedback from the community for playground improvements at Gilman and Webster Parks. At this community meeting scheduled for Monday Jan 25 6:30PM-8PM at the Ballard Community Center, they will be sharing proposed designs for you to review and provide comment.

This is a good way to get your closets and basement cleaned out and support the Ballard High School PTSA and Ballard Performing Arts at the same time!

Hairstream & Saltbox Designs invite you to share in their admiration of Frida Clements Creative, Amy Hevron Studio, Kim Berkley, Jess Bonin,Ghosts I’ve Met, Tomo Nakayama & more lovelies..fill your totes with the fruits of their labors and be the most merrymaker yourself!

Check out their Facebook event page for more details and thank-you West Woodland Neighbors for the tip. If you’re gonna shop for the holiday, why not shop local?

Location:  6256 3rd Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
Date:  Saturday, December 19, 2015
Time:  4 pm – 8 pm

A neighbor left out a few cups of chalk and signs that read “Write your own” on the south sidewalk along NW 60th just west of 14th Ave NW. And so those who normally just walk by, took a moment to stop and share what they’re thankful for. Here are a few words of thanks. You can find more here. Wouldn’t it be fun to do this all year round on every sidewalk?

“The Ballard Bell has summoned the community since 1889 and it’s ringing for you now. As Ballard changes . . . keep growing your Neighbors!” – Peggy Sturdivant

In the effort to bring together, the community of Ballard – with all the old and all of the new – and foster more connected neighbors – Bringing in Community – Ballard Event will be held on Friday, November 20th from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Cheryl Chow Gathering Space (2014 NW 57th – across from Greenfire and the Ballard Library). This event will be free and open to the Ballard public but we ask that you bring a plate of home baked cookies to share with neighbors, and we will be accepting packaged goods donations for Ballard Food Bank.

There will be great live music by Half Rushmore, an art project and food, along with neighbors from community organizations who will share some inspiring historical information of their organization as well as what they are offering the community today.

Come out for the fun to our Friday night social and celebrate the value in gathering and growing as neighbors in Ballard. Learn more and RSVP here.

This project is funded in part by a Neighborhood Matching Fund Award from the City of Seattle, Department of Neighborhoods.

Join the Ballard Historical Society for “Military Road Through Ballard: From Steilacoom to Bellingham,” on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. The presenter will be Karen Meador, author and historian. 

Military Road connected Fort Steilacoom with Fort Bellingham, passing through Ballard and many other communities. Many buildings were eventually built along 15th Avenue NW decades after the military throughway was completed. Find out more about Ballard and other civilian communities developed along the route, thanks to federal investments in transporting military men and equipment. More event details at: https://ballardhistory.wordpress.com

Military Road Through Ballard: From Steilacoom to Bellingham
Wed Nov 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunset Hill Community Association, 3003 NW 66th St   map
Suggested donation: $5 -$20. Refreshments provided.
More info: https://ballardhistory.wordpress.com or (206) 784-2927

Seattle Parks and Recreation has some funding to renovate two playgrounds in Ballard next year. One of them is Gilman Park (923 NW 54th St). The City is just beginning outreach and the EBCA and Groundswell NW have already reached out to see what we can do to help spread the word and ensure your voice is heard. The first outreach event will be at the Farmer’s Market Nov 15 from 11am-1pm at Bergen Place. If you can’t make it to this event, you can contact the Parks Planner, Karimah Edwards at karimah.edwards@seattle.gov, 206-233-0063 and complete this online survey.

It was blustery and wet the morning of October 24, but that didn’t keep away our 13 rough and tough volunteers who joined together to clean up 14th Ave NW.

Thank-you to our expert trash picker-uppers, Chris, Linda, Karne, Beth Anne, Leon, Peter, Mary, Casey, and Mary Pat!

Thank-you to Will and Lily for cleaning out the storm drains. Will got quite a workout from lifting those grates and Lily’s small hands and fearless attitude got all the leaves and grime cleared away!

And as the rains arrive, the grass has finally turned green and the weeds have gone wild. Thank-you to Shannon, Steph, Ulysses and Sue for getting the Meserole Memorial median and rain gardens under control!

Did you miss out on the all the fun? Be sure to stay tuned to the East Ballard Blog for our next cleanup event in April!