The rebuilt intersection is part of SDOT’s nearly year-long repaving of N/NW 85th Street from Ballard to I-5. The intersection will be closed from 6 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Work will continue around the clock, but noisy work (such as jack-hammering) will be limited between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Detour routes will be posted, and nearby businesses will be open, just a little harder to get to. Eastbound detours will remain in place on NW 85th St between 15th Ave NW and 8th Ave NW as part of the work on that stretch of road.

Metro bus routes 28 and 48 will be detoured. Check Metro’s Alerts Center for more information and to sign up for Transit Alerts.

Tutors are available for one-on-one help from 6-7:45 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the Broadview Library, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-684-7519.

Library-trained homework helpers can assist students struggling to understand a homework assignment or needing ideas to start a research paper. Homework helpers also are familiar with the range of Library’s other homework help resources and can devote one-on-one time with students that librarians sometimes cannot.

The Seattle Public Library also offers a variety of homework help resources from its website at www.spl.org, including an Online Homework Help tutoring service, an around-the-clock Ask a Librarian reference service, and access to more than 60 specialized databases and online tools.

Online Homework Help, powered by Brainfuse, is made possible through a generous grant provided by The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

Individuals interested in becoming a Homework Help volunteer should contact Anne Vedella, Library volunteer services coordinator, at 206-386-4614.

The latest from Metro:

Now, Metro is seeking a second round of input to shape the final September plan that will be submitted to the King County Council later this spring.

During public outreach in November, Metro suggested replacing Route 28 and revising Route 28 Express as part of a package of related changes in Fremont and North Seattle. Metro has decided not to move forward with these changes now, but will consider making changes in this area with the launch of RapidRide E Line in 2013.

“Last fall, we received comments from more than 5,000 people, and that feedback was invaluable in helping us review and revise these proposals,” said Victor Obeso, Metro’s manager of Service Development. “Now, we want the community’s help again to continue moving forward with our vision for a transit system that is efficient, cost-effective, and best serves the entire county.”

The latest changes now being considered for this area include:

• New Routes: RapidRide D Line*
• Routes proposed for routing or frequency changes: 5*, 28*, 75, 16*, and 18*
• Routes proposed for replacement or deletion: None
• Routes with no change: 28X, 48, 48X, 355, and 358

* Route change proposal revised from November 2011

Most of the proposals support the launch of the RapidRide C and D lines that will connect downtown Seattle to Ballard and West Seattle starting on Sept. 29. For that reason, the changes primarily affect service in Seattle and adjacent communities. Some of the revisions, such as the proposed changes to the 2 (south), 10, 11, 12, 14, 123, and 125 will also improve the flow of buses through downtown Seattle, which will produce significant efficiencies for Metro’s overall system.

The introduction of the RapidRide lines and associated service adjustments will allow Metro to improve bus connections to jobs, shopping and other destinations – places in and around Seattle that have grown and changed over the years. Many bus routes serving these areas have not been adjusted for more than a decade.
People will have an opportunity to comment on the newly revised September service proposals during the second round of public review that is now underway. You can submit comments by attending one of several meetings and information tables Metro is hosting, or filling out an online survey.

To learn more about the proposals and ways to speak up about the changes, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/haveasay.

Metro is hosting another six open houses to get more feedback on final proposals. The closest public meeting to our neighborhood is in Ballard, from 6-8 p.m. next Monday, Feb. 13, at Ballard High School.

During this round of open-house meetings, customers will have an opportunity to review the revised proposals and share their comments. That feedback will help shape final September service recommendations that will be forwarded to the King County Council for action this spring (probably in May). Those unable to attend one of these forums can give us their comments via an online survey on Metro’s website.

And Metro is also testing a new version of its home page, and they’re asking for feedback through an online survey. The redesign is supposed to make it easier to find the most requested information, and should display better on mobile devices.

On the agenda:

7:30 – 7:45 p.m. – Discussion of Zoo elephant exhibit visit

7:45 – 7:55 p.m. – Presentation by Bill Farmer about Solarize Seattle – a non-profit-led effort to reduce upfront cost by packaging existing state and federal incentives with a Solarize discount offered by the contractor.

7:55 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. – Annual meeting topic selection and Elections

8:15 – 8:20 p.m. Greenwood/Phinney METRO update

8:20 – 8:30 p.m. 6010 condo proposal environmental plan

8:30 p.m. Neighborhood Recycling Contest

8:35 p .m. Murals update

8:40 p.m. Request to help/support traffic circle

The PNA plans to use the money for its Hot Meal Program, which provides 23,000 meals each year to homeless and elderly neighbors.

My 6 year old daughter was playing in the backyard near 95th and Dayton at 4:15 p.m. today and a man walking down the alley tried to call her out of the yard. He said, “Hey kid, come here,” and put a foot on our chain link fence. She ran in the house and is fine.

My daughter described him as white, around 60 years old, with a black coat, a grey/black/white plaid backpack, and a faded black sunhat. He has a long white beard and she said he looked like his clothes and bag were very worn and he looked homeless or transient.

I called 911 and officers are patrolling.

Police told the girl’s parents to contact their local blog to get the word out.

Friday night, store employees held a low-key open house for regular customers, serving cupcakes…

And there was a goodbye book for customers to sign. (Thanks to Rae for the photos!)

Any groceries left at the end of the day will go to the Greenwood Food Bank.

Greenwood Market is closing to make way for an expanded Fred Meyer. The Greenwood Fred Meyer currently has clearance prices as it clears out its inventory before closing on Feb. 25 for remodeling. It will open sometime in the late fall.

Update 12:10 p.m.: At noon today, they started taking down the “Store Closing” signs on the outside.

Rob sent us this photo last night shortly after construction started. (Thanks, Rob!)

The work is part of the nearly year-long repaving project of North/NW 85th Street from Ballard to I-5.

Update 12:10 p.m.: NW 85th Street is closed to through traffic at both 3rd Avenuw NW…

…and 6th Avenue NW.

The City of Seattle is creating 11 miles of greenways through seven neighborhoods this year as part of a pilot program. Greenwood-Phinney’s greenway will be along 1st Avenue NW from NW 85th Street to NW 58th Street.

“Greenways connect parks and schools, community centers and neighborhood business districts. Neighborhood Greenways help with transportation, and they help with getting people where they want to go within their own communities,” City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw said in a recent press release.

The Neighborhood Greenways under SDOT review total 11 miles: seven miles in Ballard, Beacon Hill, Greenwood, North Delridge, Wallingford, and the University District and an additional four miles in Laurelhurst (funded by Seattle Children’s Hospital). These projects are intended to form the backbone of a new network of Greenways that effectively connect people to the places they want to go by giving them a choice to travel on quieter, safer streets around the city.

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. While many new dedicated walking and bicycling trails are beyond the reach of our City’s budget, 10 miles of Greenways can be built for the cost of a single mile of new trail, offering the potential to bring a high-quality network to all Seattle neighborhoods at a comparatively low cost. Greenways have the potential to serve neighborhoods where many people cannot afford a car. Neighborhood access by emergency service vehicles and freight delivery vehicles — and parking — is preserved along Greenways.

Motivated by concerns for public safety and a grassroots movement of citizens across Seattle demanding greater community connection, SDOT staff has been studying how other cities link people with their desired neighborhood destinations. By 2015 in Portland, for example, 85% of all residents will live within a half-mile of a Greenway. Portland’s safe streets policies have made streets safer for everyone whether they choose to walk, ride a bicycle, or drive. Portland’s traffic fatality rate is falling six times faster than the rest of the United States. Infrastructure that makes it safer for walking and bicycling automatically benefits drivers through improved safety and saved lives.

A volunteer kick-off event is set for 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the PNA’s Community Hall, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., in the brick building. RSVP at 206-789-1217.

While it’s primarily designed for seniors, the PNA Village is open to everyone of any age who lives in the boundary area: between North 50th and 105th streets, and from Aurora Avenue North to 15th Avenue NW.

The concept of Villages is a growing national movement enabling communities to support and serve each other through a network of volunteers in combination with vetted businesses. Members of the Village are in close contact with the program coordinators, who establish a complete profile for each member to best serve them in times of need or crisis.

The PNA Village relies heavily on local volunteer support. Whether it’s driving a neighbor to the doctor, changing a light bulb, or planting a spring bulb – a wide variety of volunteer opportunities are currently available. If you’re interested in volunteering for this program you can e-mail village@phinneycenter.org or call 206.789.1217.

Over the coming years, the PNA Village will grow and expand to meet the needs of its membership. For a complete list of current services and more information on PNA Village membership, visit the PNA website at phinneycenter.org/village. You can also subscribe to the PNA Village mailing list by sending an e-mail to village@phinneycenter.org with “Subscribe” in the subject line.

Greenwood Market employees say goodbye to their regular customers with a low-key open house from 5-7 p.m. Friday, as the store prepares to close for good on Saturday, to make way for an expanded Fred Meyer. (Store Manager Patty Nolan tells us that anything left when the doors close on Saturday will be donated to the Greenwood Food Bank.)

Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono Café presents Jazz First Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Friday with Ronin 3 and special guest Jake Esau in costume reading Poe’s “Masque of Red Death.” At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Couth Buzzard presents Songwriters in Seattle Monthly Showcase. Free; beer, wine and food available for purchase.

Caspar Babypants performs at Ridge Romp at the Phinney Neighborhood Association on Saturday. Doors open at 10 a.m., concert starts at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $3 per person (babies in arms are free).

The Greenwood Library has Spanish story time at 2 p.m. Saturday, at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N.

The Shop Agora at 6417-A Phinney Ave. N. is hosting a wine tasting from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. “(W)e will be sampling Campo Lindo Reserva, a 2004 vintage from the Pla de Bages region of Barcelona.”

Renowned bagpiper Dick Hensold performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Empty Sea Studios, 6300 Phinney Ave. N. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Tim’s Tavern at 602 N. 105th St. presents R&B musicians Dr. Richard Kimball & the Fugitives starting at 8 p.m. Saturday.

You have until Sunday to let the Seattle Public Library know your priorities for library services. SPL says more than 1,200 people have commented online or in person at community meetings. The library will consider public comments as it develops a potential levy package that could be on the ballot later this year.

Don’t forget that the intersection of 8th Avenue NW and NW 85th Street in Ballard-Greenwood will be closed from 6 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday so Seattle Department of Transportation crews can rebuild it. The intersection will be closed in all directions, and detour routes will be posted. Noisy work will be limited between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Metro bus route 28 will be rerouted off 8th Avenue NW between NW 80th Street and NW 90th Street.

During this time, Route 28 heading toward Broadview will travel instead via NW 80th St, 3rd Av NW and NW 90th St to its regular route.

Heading toward downtown Seattle, Route 28 will travel instead via NW 90th St, 3rd Av NW, NW 80th St and 8th Av NW to its regular route.

And bus route 48 will be rerouted off of NW 85th Street between Greenwood Avenue North and 15th Avenue NW.

During this time, Route 48 heading toward Mt. Baker Station will travel instead via 15th Av NW, NW 80th St, N 80th St, Greenwood Av N and NW 85th St to its regular route.

Heading toward Loyal Heights, Route 48 will travel instead via Greenwood Av N, N 80th St, NW 80th St, 15th Av NW and NW 85th St to its regular route.

And looking ahead to next week: Taproot Theatre hosts “Comedy as Commentary” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7. It’s hosted by frequent Taproot actor Jeff Berryman and includes panelists Misha Berson (theater and arts critic at The Seattle Times), Actor/Director Kathy Hsieh, Taproot’s Associate Artistic Director Karen Lund, and playwright Brian Willis. It is the first of Taproot’s “Conversation” series throughout the 2012 season.

Beginning with the Ancient Greeks and continuing straight through to late night stand-up, comedy has always functioned as social commentary. What makes humor such a powerful tool? Can classic comedies speak to our modern society? Taproot Theatre hosts a panel of theatre professionals to discuss the role of comedy in today’s arts and entertainment culture.

Admission is free, but please RSVP in advance to Sonja Lowe at 206-529-3666.

Community Power Works for Home is an energy efficiency initiative to weatherize buildings that has now expanded to cover the whole city of Seattle. It’s partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

CPW for Home gives homeowners access to approved home energy experts that help them make the smartest choices for their homes. CPW for Home also provides financing, rebates and incentives to help offset costs, as well as a free quality assurance inspection once the work is complete.

For Seattle residents, CPW for Home provides:

• A deeply discounted home energy assessment. Usually $400, the program provides the assessment for just $95, thanks to rebates from Seattle City Light.
• Rebates and incentives to bring down the cost of the upgrade; the more energy you save, the higher your rebate.
• Pre-approved contractors to do the work.
• Affordable loans with easy terms to qualify; payments are simply added to the resident’s City Light bill.
• Energy Experts to help every step of the way and make sure the job is done right.

The program begins with a comprehensive energy audit, helping homeowners learn more about their home.

To participate in Community Power Works for Home, contact an Energy Expert at home@communitypowerworks.org or 206-449-1170, or sign up online at www.communitypowerworks.org.

The Northwest Boychoir will hold open auditions for new members on Sat., Feb. 11, at its offices at the University Heights Community Center, 5031 University Way NE, #NB2. Boys between the ages of 6 and 9 are eligible. No previous music or vocal training is necessary. Auditions are by appointment.

Audition appointments are scheduled through the Northwest Choirs’ office by calling 206-524-3234. Auditions are private and low-key, designed to make those auditioning feel comfortable and relaxed. Auditions are about 15 minutes long, and parents are strongly encouraged to be present.

Founded in 1974, the Northwest Boychoir enrolls about 150 young singers annually in five levels of training choirs. Members represent 115 public and private schools in the greater Seattle area. Northwest Boychoir music staff members are trained musicians and music educators. Members enjoy the benefit of small classes and focused instruction.

Recognized as the premier children’s choral program in the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Boychoir serves as the official singing ambassadors of Washington State as recognized by five consecutive governors.

The Northwest Boychoir also maintains a long-standing professional relationship with the Seattle Symphony affording members the opportunity to perform regularly with the region’s world-class symphony orchestra.
For more information regarding auditions or the Northwest Boychoir, call 206-524-3234 or visit the website at www.nwchoirs.org.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking for volunteer naturalists to share your love and knowledge of urban nature.

Volunteer Naturalists participate in 10 weeks of training and commit to providing 12 programs a year at Environmental Learning Centers and in parklands near schools throughout Seattle.

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Volunteer Naturalists provide hands-on learning opportunities for school groups and nature programs for families and adults at Discovery Stations, destination locations throughout parks that present visitors with a theme and natural objects that help them discover their backyard parks.

For example, volunteers would have a spotting scope at Bald Eagle nest locations and at Green Lake Park so visitors could follow the nesting cycle of Bald Eagles or Pied Billed Grebes. Another is a station at Me Kwa Mooks Beach or Discovery Park Beach with shells and information about intertidal creatures. One could be a Forest Station to introduce people to the many plants, mammals and birds that make the forested parklands home.

Training begins in March 8. Deadline for applications is February 10, 2012. For more information and to get an application, please email Penny Rose at penny.rose@seattle.gov or call her at 206-386-4250.

The prowl occurred approximately 10:30 Saturday the 28th in the evening as a musician who had just completed a show at the Phinney Center Community Hall was loading his gear into his vehicle. The passenger side window was broken, and a MacBook, iPad, other personal possessions were stolen, as well as the proceeds of his merchandise sale. The theft was reported to the SPD. Please take care not to leave a vehicle unattended even for a minute with valuables inside.

I think I speak for the entire Community Police Team when I tell you that every day in our e-mail inbox, or on our telephone’s voicemail inbox, we find messages from the community that say something like this, “I wanted to let you know that I just saw something suspicious……….but I didn’t think this merited a 9-1-1 call”.

Almost always the information is detailed, with good descriptions and refers to something that may or may not have been criminal, but certainly seemed odd. And almost always it is too late for SPD to do anything with that information. I am now hoping to encourage you to trust that gut feeling of yours. If you get the sense that something weird is happening, even if it isn’t an emergency, please call 9-1-1 and simply state what you are reporting. The call taker will decide whether your call should be transferred off the primary line onto a secondary line. You don’t know what you prevent by getting a patrol cruiser coming into your neighborhood.

Johnston also sent out an update on property crime in the North End.

In much of the North precinct, the burglary rates have decreased or stabilized. There are still increased numbers of residential burglaries in some northeast neighborhoods. They are primarily occurring during the hours of 6 a.m. to about 6 p.m. Knocking on doors to see if anyone is at home is still a common method used by thieves. In some cases, there is a female driver who serves as chauffeur and lookout, for her male accomplices. The lookout has been seen texting the thieves about watchful neighbors, etc. Kicking in doors, or door jambs is prevalent. We recommend all exterior doors be solid core doors, (or metal) and are a minimum of 1 ¾” thick. For maximum security, all exterior doors should be equipped with a deadbolt lock and reinforced strike plates, using 3” screws which will go into the framework. Locks within 40 inches of glass are vulnerable.

Watchful neighbors remain your best alarm. 9 times out of 10, our burglars are arrested due to 9-1-1 calls from neighbors who heard or saw something suspicious and made that call.

Johnston is available to make free potential crime assessments of any residential or business property. Just give her a call at 206-684-7711 or email terrie.johnston@seattle.gov.

Empty Sea Studios has made a name for giving interesting and unique musicians a place to showcase their talents. On Saturday, Feb. 4, renowned bagpiper Dick Hensold will take the stage.

Hensold acknowledges with humor that bagpipes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.

“It really is better to play an instrument some people hate than one nobody really cares about,” he said.

A graduate of Oberlin, Hensold has an impressively diverse background in music. He has performed and taught the Northumbrian smallpipes across the U.S. and overseas, playing traditional Scottish music. He also performs Cambodian traditional music and Nordic folk music.

Along with the Northumbrian smallpipes, Hensold will be playing the Scottish Reel pipes and the Swedish Säckpipa at Empty Sea. The Northumbrian pipes are a quieter bagpipe with a large musical range, while the Scottish Reel pipes are like an indoor version of the Great Highland pipes. The Swedish Säckpipa is a primitive bagpipe used for traditional Swedish tunes.

Hensold also will be playing the Welsh Pibgorn, an ancient reed instrument, and the Norwegian Seljefløyte, which is also called a harmonic flute.

Hensold became interested in the bagpipes during his time at Oberlin, where he studied 16th and 18th-century counterpoint—a musical theory that involves two different, independent sounds that harmonize when played together. After searching for a bagpipe that could combine counterpoint with melody and drones, he found the Northumbrian smallpipes.

Hensold joked that his interest in unique and rare instruments is due to a condition he calls instrument acquisition disorder.

“I think I have it under control now,” he said.

The unique instruments Hensold plays fit in perfectly at Empty Sea, which has hosted all kinds of music, including Indian classical and traditional African. Owner Michael Connolly described Empty Sea’s shows as music you wouldn’t hear in a bar.

“It’s music that’s supposed to be listened to,” Connolly said.

Connolly said that Empty Sea’s setup is designed to provide the ultimate listening experience. The audience is no further than 20 feet away from the performer, providing an intimate atmosphere.

“You feel like the musician is an actual person you’re having an actual interaction with,” Connolly said. “The room kind of melts away.”

Hensold said there is a big theatrical composition to the show he’ll be performing, even though it is a one-man act.

“I put a lot of thought into how I put my show together,” Hensold said. “I want contrast, I want variety, but I want there to be a real point to the whole thing; a real sense of place and narrative, and taking people places.”

Hensold has experience in composing for theater. He recently worked as the composer and music director on the outdoor walking-play “Nature,” which tells the story of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau’s love of the natural world.

Audience members will be in for quite an experience at Hensold’s show. He’ll be playing more than seven different instruments throughout the night. To hear what some of the more unique instruments sound like, check out Hensold’s website. Hensold plays at Empty Sea Studios at 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets online, check out Empty Sea’s website.

(Chris Foster is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.)

The rock-and-glass artwork was supposed to be completed by the end of last year, shortly after the Defenders of Greenwood moved into their new station, but Lynch and her crew have spent a lot of time troubleshooting electrical problems. She says the electronics need to be replaced.

“My apologies to the community for this delay and thanks very much for your patience,” Lynch told us by email.

Once completed, the glass layers of the artwork will be lit a bluish-green when the firefighters are in residence, and red when they are out on a call.

Join us for a Seattle town hall meeting to locally launch a bold new campaign to transform long-term care in the United States for our loved ones who count on the support of caregivers, the workers who provide the support and the families who struggle to find and afford quality care for their family members.

Sharing care stories: testimonies of seniors, family caregivers, home care and domestic workers.

Giving voice to change: taking action together Growing a movement at home: vision the transformation of care nationally through our Seattle Care Council.

The meeting is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St. Free lunch, childcare, and interpretation will be provided. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Araceli@casa-latina.org – 206-956-0779; or Susie@washingtoncan.org – 206-805-6676.

If you own a business in Greenwood or Phinney Ridge, you’re invited to a meeting at 7 p.m. Friday at Umpqua Bank, 7120 Greenwood Ave. N.

The New Year begins with the opportunity for you to weigh in on the future and role of the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.

Simple Agenda:

We will be accepting nominations for, electing and installing Officers and the Board of Directors.

We will engage in conversation about what you want from your local, business-advocating Chamber of Commerce.

Come, bring your business neighbors, your thoughts and nominations.

Get involved (to the extent you can) as 2012 unfolds as the year of Reinvention and Resurgence!

It’s your Chamber, help us help You!

(PhinneyWood is a member of the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce.)

A Chorus Line follows a group of desperate to work actor/dancers through their audition experience for a spot on the synchronized dance chorus of an upcoming Broadway production. Ironically, Director Zach uses the audition to mine each of their very unique personal events that shaped their lives as dancers.

This will be Cournoyer’s fourth production with SMT. His other credits include: Bob Cratchit in “Scrooge: The Musical” at Capital Playhouse; a pirate and a policeman in STAGEright’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance”; Ninian Edwards in “Lincoln in Love” at Village Theatre’s 2010 Festival of New Musicals; Woof in “Hair” at The Historic Everett Theatre; and Richard III at Freehold Theatre Lab/Studio.

Performances are Friday through Sunday, with one Thursday night show. Tickets are $35-$40 with special rates for seniors, students and group sales. Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling the box office at 206-363-2809.

Here’s the latest from SDOT:

Work dates (weather dependent):

• Friday, February 3 to Monday, February 6*
• Friday, February 10 to Monday, February 13*
• These dates are tentative based on weather; visit our website, or sign up for email alerts to receive updates on schedule

Work hours:

• 6:00 p.m. Friday to 5:00 a.m. Monday (24-hour continuous work)
• Noisy work activities will be limited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Traffic:

• The intersection will be completely closed to traffic for two weekends
• Detour routes will be clearly posted; please follow signed detours and avoid cutting through neighborhood streets
• Eastbound detours will remain in place on NW 85th St between 15th Ave NW and 8th Ave NW

Transit, bicycles and pedestrians:

• Metro bus routes #28 and #48 will be affected by this work; sign up for Metro rider alerts for the latest information on route changes
• Bicycles should detour around the intersection during this work
• Pedestrian crossings will be maintained; flaggers and uniformed police officers will be present during this work to assist pedestrians

“Salmon duty” takes just 30 minutes at least once a week. Schedules are flexible and fish feeders attend a one hour training. The training for spring fish feeders will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 11.

This is a joint project between Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project. Interested fish feeders should contact Nancy Malmgren at 206-363-4116.

I stopped by this afternoon to talk with Store Director Patty Nolan. She wanted customers to know that while everything is on clearance, currently priced from 10-50 percent off the lowest marked price, the store still has plenty of inventory.

Greenwood Market is still receiving shipments of bread.

While there are empty shelves, the store is still receiving dairy and bread shipments, and they’ve got a ton of canned pumpkin, plenty of juices, cooking oil and spices. The produce aisle is still fairly well stocked, too.

“We were joking that it looks like Thanksgiving,” Nolan said of the canned pumpkin display. “And we have lots of Gefilte Fish!”

Some shelves are empty, but Greenwood Market still has a lot of juice and crackers.

Nolan said Greenwood Market plans to hold a low-key open house for its regular customers from 5-7 p.m. Friday, as a way to say thank you to its loyal customers.

Greenwood Market’s last day will be Saturday.

Istanbul Kebab has opened in the space formerly occupied by Pita Grill and King Falafel, at 8317 Greenwood Ave. N. (Thanks to Lauralee for the tip and photo!)

418 Public House (formerly the Reading Gaol), at 418 NW 65th St., is now open to people under the age of 21 until 8 p.m., and even has a kids menu. A Phinney Ridge resident tells us that 418 serves excellent Mexican food, and has a selection of rotating taps.

The Greenwood Senior Center is having a special early Valentine’s Day luncheon featuring the Cornucopia Band, at 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Cost is $5, plus a donation for the Greenwood Food Bank. RSVP at 206-297-0875.

826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing and tutoring center at 8414 Greenwood Ave. N., is getting ready for its winter/spring workshop season.

We will be offering a wide range of Saturday and school holiday creative writing workshops for students between the ages of 7 and 18.

Our innovative workshop leaders have created a host of dynamic workshops, from fairytale riffs to rock music reporting, faux travelogues to found poetry, graphic illustrating to persuasive writing, and more!

There’s something for everyone, so sign up here and get inspired. We guarantee your imagination will be stretched well beyond what you thought were its furthest limits.

Jim Page in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono Café, 8310 Greenwood Ave. N. Free; food and drink available for purchase. On Saturday, Couth Buzzard welcomes Pint & Dale performing “Music of the Blue Divide” starting at 7:30 p.m. And on Sunday, listen to the OneFourFive Georgian Polyphonic Choir at 7 p.m.

Dr. Richard Kimball & the Fugitive perform at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Tim’s Tavern, 602 N. 105th St.

Seattle City Hall Open House, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 601 5th Ave., downtown. The city is providing local music and food. Meet your elected officials, tour city offices, have a Q&A session with the mayor, and learn more about city resources.

Seattle Public Library rescheduled its Jan. 18 meeting at the Ballard Library to tomorrow (Saturday) from 2-4 p.m. at the Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E. SPL is hosting community meetings to ask for input on library services.

World Languages Story Time in Spanish at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N.

The 4th Annual Beatles Sing-along Benefit for Elizabeth Gregory Home is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Egan Hall at St. John’s School, 123 N. 79th St.

Bill Evans performs a Banjo in America concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, in Community Hall in the Brick Building.

The PNA’s annual Home Design & Remodel Fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Meet with dozens of contractors, architects, designers, and more, plus City of Seattle permitting specialists will be available to answer questions. Admission is $6 for PNA members, $10 general; children 12 and under are free.

Looking ahead to next week, the Phinney Neighborhood Association’s Cultural Engagement Film Series is hosting a Queer Youth Film Event with a special screening of “Put This on the Map” from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. The screening will be in Community Hall, in the lower level of the Brick Building. Free.

Join us for a screening of this award-winning local film, featuring 26 queer youth sharing their thoughts and feelings about gender and sexuality. These remarkable teens are from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and other Eastside communities. In this affecting 35-minute film they raise issues of identity and questions of belonging, while expressing their essential humanity.

Following the movie, there will be an opportunity for sharing and discussion, facilitated by the Safe Schools Coalition. PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and Teen Link will also be on hand to share resources, along with the filmmakers.

Munch fresh popcorn, enjoy a soda and get the chance to win a free night out at the Majestic Bay Theater! Whether you identify yourself as straight or queer or prefer no label at all, whether you are 14 years old, 84 years young or “ageless,” you are welcome at this event.

Work continues in Phase 1 between 15th Ave NW and 8th Ave NW. Work activities impacted by the snow are currently being rescheduled. We will continue to update you on how the weather delay may impact anticipated work activities over the next couple weeks.

Construction activities anticipated this week include:

• Continued roadway removal and excavation between:

1. Mary Ave NW and 14th Ave NW (north side)
2. 14th Ave NW and 12th Ave NW (north side)
3. 11th Ave NW and 10th Ave NW (north side)
4. Dibble Ave NW and 8th Ave NW (south side)

• Installation of drainage facilities at the intersection of 14th Ave NW and NW 85th St
• Concrete paving throughout the project area (as weather allows)
• Opening of 12th Ave NW and closing of 11th Ave NW – Side streets can be closed for up to 30 days total, however the days are not required to be consecutive. This means streets may be opened and closed as needed.
• Closure of Dibble Avenue south of NW 85th St for installation of drainage facilities and roadway removal, excavation and concrete panel replacement.
• Westbound traffic continues to be maintained through Phase 1 primarily on the south side of the street.

Stay tuned for more details on upcoming construction activities via email and our project website early next week.

Jeff Ament, bassist for Pearl Jam, asked his favorite guitar maker, Mike Lull, to build the guitars, then Ament painted them. They were each valued at $5,500. Below is the guitar Ament called “Green Noise.”

The guitars were auctioned through the CharityBuzz website. As soon as the auction ended this afternoon, 826 Seattle sent out this tweet:

THANK YOU to everyone who helped support today’s auction. You’re ALL rockstars to us. Final bids? $17,000. Holy. Moly. We are SO GRATEFUL.

826 Seattle later told us each guitar sold for $8,501, for a total of $17,002.

The 2012-13 school year is for children who will already be 5 years old by the start of school, but need a little more time before being ready for kindergarten, as well as children who will turn 5 years old by Mar 31, 2013.

North Seattle Fives is located inside St. John’s United Lutheran Church, 5515 Phinney Ave. N. School is from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

One of the kick-off events is from 1-3 p.m. next Wednesday at the Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N 85th St.

Each participant will receive a training packet, discounts on walking shoes, and information about staying healthy while training. Training begins at 9 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 4 with free, volunteer-led group walks from Jefferson Community Center (3801 Beacon Ave. S), Ballard Senior Center (5429 32nd Ave. NW), or Ravenna Eckstein Community Center (6535 Ravenna Ave. NE).

To participate and to get more information, please call Mari Becker at 206-684-4664 or email her at sound.steps@seattle.gov.

My two roommates and I live on 92nd, between Stone and Aurora. A series of break-ins or attempted break-ins over the past few months has us feeling deeply violated, shaken and worst of all, fearful of staying in our home.

(S)omeone kicked through the back door and entered our ground floor bedroom. He rummaged through one room before swiping a MacBook and an iPhone, then moved upstairs and stole a laptop and my work netbook. The most disturbing part was that my two roommates were gone for only 20 minutes when the break-in took place, meaning that someone was waiting for us to clear out. The police officer who responded to our call says that an apartment building nearby was also hit, on the same street.

On Christmas Day or Christmas Eve (we weren’t home so we can’t be sure), someone tried to kick down our front door. We know this because the door frame was damaged and there was a large footprint near the bottom handle.

Early last October, while one of my roommates was asleep on the bottom floor, someone walked in (the front door must have been unlocked) and proceeded to steal a number of valuable items, including laptops, my checkbooks and my $500 iPad.

Shortly after the October break-in, I came home to find our mailbox wide open, though we weren’t entirely sure whether anything had been taken.

Has anyone else in that area had a similar break-in?

In a letter sent to parents on Tuesday, Pegi McEvoy the Assistant Superintendent for Operations for SPS writes,

Our preliminary enrollment projections indicate we may need to add one additional homeroom at Whittier next year. The additional homeroom would NOT be for a fourth kindergarten class – we are still planning for three kindergarten classes. The potential need for an additional homeroom is based primarily on enrollment distribution across the grades. If enrollment is not as high as anticipated, we will not add an additional homeroom. However, we need to be prepared in case this need arises . We are looking at options in the building, given the fact we cannot place a portable on the Whittier site.

The school board is voting tonight on the Short-Term Capacity Management and the New Student Assignment Plan: Transition Plan for 2012-13. The Board will not vote specifically on adding a new classroom at Whittier. Placement decisions – moving or adding a new program to a school – will be made by the Superintendent. If a new homeroom is added, it is unknown which grade would get the additional class.

“These decisions are made prior to open enrollment to ensure that families can review their options for the next school year,” the letter states. “The Superintendent seeks guidance for these decisions from staff and community groups, such as the Special Education Advisory and Advocacy Council (SEAAC) and the Advanced Learning Task Force to provide input to inform these decisions.”

According to the letter, no changes in the Spectrum program or the Phinney Neighborhood Association programs are being considered at this time.

Individuals can email suggestions to: programplacement@seattleschools.org.