Get RainWise! Open House 1

We are thankful for.... our precious Puget Sound, and BIG REBATES from the RAINWISE program!

December 1, 2012

Where? 

at a central Ballard RainWise home

Register (free!) and address will be sent

What time? 

2pm to 4pm

For more information, contact 

julia AT sustainableballard DOT org

In the Ballard Basin*, property owners can get beautiful and functional landscaping, and stored rainwater for watering gardens - with up to 100% of the cost paid by the City of Seattle. REALLY!

Come see what RainWise is all about - bring the whole family!

At this RainWise Open House, you will:

• Find out about great RainWise rebates, and how you can do your part to help manage storm water and protect Puget Sound.
• Get a guided tour of this installation with a rain garden and five cisterns, from Sam and Alexander, our Tour Guides Extraordinaire (and Julia's favorite neighbor boys).
• Meet RainWise-trained contractors who can create beautiful rain gardens and cistern installations and walk you through the whole process. Get your questions answered! RainWise might even be able to help you with a wet basement.
• Live nearby? You might be able to get a free consultation on the spot!
• Enjoy hot cider and cookies, and meet your neighbors
• Make a bird seed ball for your own garden or as a holiday gift - this is a kid-friendly activity:)

Rain or shine - winter is a great time to get RainWise.

• THE BALLARD BASIN REBATE AREA is roughly west of 15th Ave NW, and from NW 56th St to NW 85th. Check your address here! LIVE IN SEATTLE BUT OUTSIDE THESE BOUNDS? Worry not! RainWise will be coming to YOU by the end of 2015....watch your mailbox for news from Seattle Public Utilities.

Ballard Greenways Meeting - Dec 2012

with special guest from Seattle Public Utilities

Tuesday December 4, 2012

Where? 

Miro Tea

5405 Ballard Ave. NW

What time? 

7:30 pm

For more information, contact 

email Jennifer

We have a special guest from Seattle Public Utilities to tell us more about rain gardens and other green storm water treatments. This is a great chance to learn more about what's going on with Greenways.

Ballard Community Taskforce on Hunger and Homelessness - Dec 2012

Our open discussion on homelessness and hunger.

December 6, 2012

Where? 

Swedish Hospital Ballard, Cafeteria Conference Room

5350 Tallman Avenue Northwest

What time? 

6:00 pm

For more information, contact 

Orna

This forum is an open discussion place for any person concerned with homelessness and hunger in Ballard. Everyone is welcome to the table and encouraged to participate in the conversation. The meeting adheres to a preset agenda and is led by an agreed upon chair who manages the discussion according to the timetable. (Members of the taskforce reserve the right to change this format upon majority vote as necessary).

Members of the Taskforce include representatives from area agencies such as the Ballard Food Bank, Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), Scofflaw Mitigation Project, Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness (IFTH), SPD Parking Enforcement, Central Ballard Resident Association (CBRA), Sustainable Ballard, Compass Housing Alliance, and others.

Several projects are being worked on concurrently by various Working Groups and would all welcome new people to join in. Current projects include Scofflaw Mitigation, Safe Parking Pilot Outreach, Stone Soup serving Sundays under the Ballard Bridge, Installation of add'l pubic toilets, and more.

Mission of the Taskforce:

The BCTHH works to end homelessness and hunger in the Ballard community by providing a forum for service providers, community advocates and governmental agencies to share information, capitalize on their collective resources and coordinate efforts. We will work as advocates of change and partners of compassion toward a just and supportive community.

Goals of the Taskforce:

1. Encourage local residents and community organizations to work with community members who face homeless and/or hunger.
2. Support and partner with non-profit, religious, government, for-profit and community groups who provide programs and resources for vulnerable residents in our community.
3. Mobilize resources within and outside Ballard to provide adequate food, shelter and supportive services for all residents of Ballard.
4. Provide a venue for honest, open discussion of the challenges faced by homeless residents and the groups that serve them, including ways to meet those challenges successfully.
5. Link individuals with unique challenges with organizations that provide relevant specialized services.

Go Solar - Final Free Workshop

Go Solar Makes Dollars and Sense

December 8, 2012

Where? 

Phinney Neighborhood Center

6532 Phinney Ave N

What time? 

10:30 am - noon

For more information, contact 

[email protected]

Go Solar Makes Dollars and Sense
and a community-based solar program is in Seattle Northwest neighborhoods now!

REGISTER NOW!

Program benefits include:

• Bulk buying power
• Free site assessment
• Free educational workshops
• Start enjoying nation’s best state incentives before the program sunsets
• Beat the deadline on sales tax exemptions
• Support local economy
• Support Sustainable Ballard

Participation is easy, just click REGISTER FOR THE PROGRAM and get started.

1. Attend a Workshop
2. Schedule for a free site assessment
3. Enjoy bulk-purchasing power and sign a contract
4. Start saving on your electric bills
5. Tell your neighbors and friends about the program

Put Sunshine In Your Wallet!

Go Solar Seattle Northwest is brought to you by Community Energy Solutions, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to bring clean energy solutions to Main Street, in collaboration with Sustainable Ballard. The solar installer is Ballard- based Sunergy Systems. We are focusing in zip code 98103, 98107, and 98117.

Take advantage of this limited time program through December 2012.

Green Carols at Green Lake

carol for a cause!

December 8, 2012

Where? 

Green Lake Community Center

7201 East Green Lake Drive N.

What time? 

4:45 pm for the singers, caroling from 5:00 - 5:35 pm

For more information, contact 

Cathy

• You don't need to rehearse to sing with us on Dec 8 (in fact, you don't even need to be able to sing very well;-) Bring Instruments! Dinner to follow immediately after caroling at Amantes 7208 East Green Lake Drive. Check out their website!
  

• Why:

This is the 35th Annual Greenlake "Pathway of Lights" Luminary Walk and our 350.org Carolers are first on the program! Saturday Dec 8 is also the Saturday before the Dec 13 Coal Terminal Hearing in Seattle. Learn a few coal carols!

• What to bring:

Bring a candle or flashlight to read the lyrics on Dec 8. Bring friends! Bring harmony, drums, and instruments! Please bring cameras and take video if you can, to share with 350.org and 350WA.org.

• Share lyrics!

Sing at your holiday gatherings 2012 Green Carol SONGBOOK: What's your favorite Green Carol?

This is our 4th YEAR of singing Green Carols at Green Lake. Questions? Call Cathy at (206)547-9569, or send an email.

• Photos from past years: Photos on facebook.
  

350 Parts Per Million (to the tune of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer)

Three-fifty parts per million, carbon in the atmosphere. We’re closer to three-ninety, risking all that we hold dear. Famines and climate chaos, droughts & melting Arctic too. Risking life on our planet, Oh my dear what shall we do?

(Bridge) Living local lives will help, Planting trees and food. Burning fossil fuels is out, Earth supports our life no doubt.

Earth is a perfect system, if we learn to use it well. 350 parts per million, to keep a world where we can dwell.

• More carols!: 2012 Carol Songbook

Home Energy Savings Workshop

Small Ways for Anyone to Save Energy & Money

December 8, 2012

Where? 

The RE Store, Ballard

1440 NW 52nd, Seattle, WA 98107

What time? 

10am - Noon

For more information, contact 

Bray at [email protected]

Save Energy, Save Money

Due to popular demand, we are doing this session again!

How does a homeowner/renter decide what the most cost effective projects to save money/energy around the house are? Then how do they actually do it? We will talk about the how and why of various projects and how to decide what to do first. There will be hands on demonstrations of different types of weather stripping including the difference between open and closed cell foam, door sweeps and those tricky old double hung windows. Where and why vapor barriers are needed as well as insulation types will be covered too!

Lynn Johanson – a favorite RE Store regular - grew up in the construction trades and then became a Residential Energy Consultant with Seattle City Light. In her 7 years with the City she audited over 2,000 homes helping homeowners and tenants prioritize their spending and stop drafts. After becoming a parent she became a teacher and a salvage focused remodeler.

The workshop costs $10 (which includes a $5 coupon to the store) To register or for more information, email Bray - [email protected] RE-Store.org

Critical Lass Christmas Lights Family Bike Ride

A festive ride to see the Christmas lights!

December 9, 2012

Where? 

Loyal Heights Community Center

2101 NW 77th St.

What time? 

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

For more information, contact 

Jennifer

Critical Lass is planning two fun, family bike rides to see Christmas lights!

The first (4-6 pm on Sunday, Dec. 9) will tour Olympic Manor. We'll meet at the Loyal Heights Community Center and wrap up at Grumpy D's for warm drinks and snacks. If you have recommendations for the brightest, prettiest blocks to see, let us know!

Both rides will be best suited to kids riding on their parent's bikes, rather than independently, since it will be after dark. Bring your holiday lights!

Check out our facebook event for more details and to RSVP!!

Get RainWise! Open House 2

Love Our Sound! and get paid for installing beautiful rain gardens!

December 9, 2012

Where? 

at a central Ballard RainWise home

Register (free!) and address will be sent

What time? 

2pm to 4pm

For more information, contact 

jenny AT sustainableballard DOT org

In the Ballard Basin*, property owners can get beautiful and functional landscaping, and stored rainwater for watering gardens - with up to 100% of the cost paid by the City of Seattle. REALLY!

Come see what RainWise is all about - bring the whole family!

At this RainWise Open House, you will:

• Find out about great RainWise rebates, and how you can do your part to help manage storm water and protect Puget Sound.
• Get a guided tour of this installation and learn how water is redirected from the entire roof while providing the kids with a great edible landscape.
• View a scrapbook of other beautiful rain gardens and cistern installations, and learn about the 5 step process to get started on your own.
• Meet RainWise-trained contractors who can answer all your technical questions, and walk you through the whole process. RainWise might even be able to help you with a wet basement.
• Live nearby? Maybe you can get a free consultation on the spot!
• Enjoy hot cider and cookies, and meet your neighbors

Rain or shine - winter is a great time to get RainWise.

Register Here

• THE BALLARD BASIN REBATE AREA is roughly west of 15th Ave NW, and from NW 56th St to NW 85th. Check your address here! LIVE IN SEATTLE BUT OUTSIDE THESE BOUNDS? Worry not! RainWise will be coming to YOU by the end of 2015....watch your mailbox for news from Seattle Public Utilities.

Get RainWise! - Free Workshop

Up to 100% Rebates for Rain Gardens and Cisterns

December 10, 2012

Where? 

Ballard Public Library

5614 22nd Ave NW

What time? 

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

For more information, contact 

[email protected]

• Find out about RainWise Rebates - a City of Seattle program that will pay up to 100% rebate for rain gardens and cisterns on your property. Visit rainwise.seattle.gov to find out if you are eligible.
• Learn how rain gardens and cisterns help manage storm water and protect Puget Sound.
• Hear from property owners who have already taken advantage of this great program!
• Meet RainWise-trained contractors who can create beautiful rain gardens and cistern installations and walk you through the whole process.
• See a variety of examples of RainWise installations.
• Get your questions answered! RainWise might even be able to help you with a wet basement.

Register Here

Ballard District Council - Dec 2012

Always Open to the Public!

December 12, 2012

Where? 

Ballard Public Library

5614 22nd Ave NW

What time? 

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

For more information, contact 

Rob Mattson at 684-4051 or [email protected]

Special Guest: Richard Conlin
To view the agenda go to http://ballarddistrict.org/about/ballard-district-council/monthly-meetings/

Power Past Coal

December 13, 2012

Where? 

Washington State Convention Center

800 Convention Place

What time? 

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

For more information, contact 

http://www.powerpastcoal.org/?post_type=petition&p=1554

If approved, the Gateway Pacific Terminal north of Bellingham would be the largest coal export terminal in the United States. Right now, the Army Corps of Engineers is trying to decide which impacts to take into account as it considers the permit proposal.

In addition to saying NO, this is your opportunity to provide input on what impacts you believe should be considered. There are a myriad of potential impacts from increased train and shipping traffic, impacts to our fragile eco-system, impacts to our air quality and to global warming and more... What’s important is that you voice your concerns.

On Thursday, Dec. 13 there is a hearing in Seattle at Washington State Convention Center about the proposed coal export facility at Cherry Point. This is our official public opportunity to say NO to this coal export facility and to voice our concerns about specific impacts. Please come to the hearing, submit a comment, and testify. Please RSVP and we will contact you to give you more information about the hearing. Help us pack the house!

When: Thurs. Dec. 13 hearing from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (if possible, please arrive by 3 p.m. for press conference. And please note that you don’t need to stay for the whole hearing. If you can’t arrive by 3 or 4, you can come later to submit a comment.)

What: Power of the People saying "We Can Do Better”

How: Show up in solidarity to oppose this coal export facility and/or write a two-minute testimony. Talking points are here and more health related concerns of coal export, here.

Please wear red!

Want to volunteer to help the day of, or to ensure we have thousands of citizens there? Contact: Robin Everett [email protected] 206-378-0114 x308

In addition to the noise, traffic congestion and hazardous coal dust, we’d get a new identity as one of the world’s largest exporters of climate-disrupting coal.

This is not us. We’re pioneering the clean energy revolution – building a stronger regional economy and developing clean energy solutions that work for the long haul; we won’t pull a U-turn and become the middleman for pushing fossil fuel dependence to the world.

Please spread the word on Facebook.

Thank you for your part in this movement!

Ballard Knitters for the Homeless - Dec 2012

Knitting community and warmers for the homeless

December 14, 2012

Where? 

Aster Coffee Lounge

5615 24th Ave NW

What time? 

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

For more information, contact 

Jody Grage at [email protected] or 718-1529

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

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

Critical Lass Christmas Lights Family Bike Ride 2

Another festive ride to see the Christmas lights!

December 16, 2012

Where? 

Loyal Heights Community Center

2101 NW 77th St.

What time? 

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

For more information, contact 

Jennifer

Critical Lass is planning two fun, family bike rides to see Christmas lights!

The second ride will be the following Sunday (Dec. 16) to see Candy Cane Lane in Wallingford. Both rides will be best suited to kids riding on their parent's bikes, rather than independently, since it will be after dark. Bring your holiday lights!

Check out our facebook event here for more details and to RSVP!!

Public Meeting - Ballard Lofts Project

Development Review for Ballard Lofts Project at NW 65th St and 24th Ave NW

December 19, 2012

Where? 

Sunset Hill Community Association

3003 NW 66th St

What time? 

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

For more information, contact 

[email protected]

· Presentation of Revised Project

· Overview of the Parking and Traffic Study

· Question and Comment Period

Sustainable Ballard Holiday Social 2012

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Where? 

Nick's off Market

1556 NW 56th St

What time? 

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

For more information, contact 

[email protected]