GROUNDSWELL NW SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWS

Often in September we are preparing for the Sustainable Ballard Fest, but in these unusual times our friends at Sustainable Ballard are holding an "Un"-Festival with some activities worth checking out: https://www.sustainableballard.org/our-17th-annual-is-an-un-festival/

And September was supposed to bring the temporary end of access to the 24th Ave NW Pier, but SPU has announced it will stay open for now while work progresses on the adjacent Ballard Pump Station. They presented the latest on that project at the August meeting of the Ballard District Council, as did a group including Groundswell and other stakeholders interested in maximizing public open space on the Ballard waterfront. See both presentations here.

Groundswell NW 2020 August News

Groundswell NW’s Founder Going Strong at 90!

Groundswell NW founder Lillian Riley celebrated her 90th birthday Sunday July 26 with a small group of family and friends on the planting strip in front of her house (a great use of public space in a pandemic!). The celebrants included one other founding board member and three past presidents of Groundswell. Our 30th anniversary timeline highlighted the many accomplishments of Lillian's vision, including her Denny Award for Lifetime Acheivement from Seattle Parks and Recreation. Apologies for not being able to include more of the many Groundswell members and supporters. As you can see in this photo of her with husband Jerry, Lillian is looking great at 90! See our Facebook page for more photos.

Groundswell NW 2020 July News

Summer has arrived! Our parks and open spaces recently have taken on special importance as an alternative to isolating inside our homes. The current situation is a reminder of how your continuing support of Groundswell NW’s work contributes directly to a healthy community. 

As the weather gets warmer, think about visiting parks you haven’t experienced before. Check out the Seattle Parks and Recreation webpage: www.seattle.gov/parks/find/parks   If you are looking for a way to volunteer while staying home: consider joining the Groundswell NW Board or helping us with a specific project.  Sign up here..

Thanks to all of you who responded to our postcard and have switched to email for future mailings. That will make more money available for our Seed Money grants. Speaking of grants, if you have a project that could benefit from a grant of up to $500, please visit our website and fill out an application. An easy way to support Groundswell NW is to shop through Amazon Smile and designate us. More information on grant applications and Amazon Smile are on our website.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking comments on the Lake Washington Ship Canal Master Plan which includes the Ballard Locks upland. The Master Plan covers recreation, cultural/historic resources and natural resources management but NOT navigation. View the plan and submit comment at https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Home/Master-Plans/LWSC-Master-Plan/igphoto/2002304318/   Comments are due by July 31, 2020. 

Wishing you a healthy and happy summer. Wash your hands!

The Groundswell NW Board

Photo credit: www.eopugetsound.org/magazine/ballard-locks

Announcing the Sustainable Ballard UnFestival

We’ll Make the Un Fun!

Given the uncertainty of large group gatherings in Seattle for the foreseeable future, we are creating a virtual festival to replace our annual live festival in 2020.

Starting June 2020 and running through Nov 2020, the virtual festival will feature a variety of online workshops, masterclasses, discussions, movies, games, contests and challenges via Zoom/Facebook/Instagram live/Twitter. We will introduce a theme for each month and work with our sponsors, project leads and this community to develop rich and engaging programming that highlights the sustainability issues we all care about. 

Some of our activities will be free thanks to business sponsorships or the efforts of community members. Some will be offered for a suggested donation to cover costs and help us cover our annual expenses.

We are offering a season pass for those who can afford it ($100 members, $150 general public) that covers your donation for all UnFestival activities. There will be many! Every month will include a movie, multiple learning opportunities, and a game, contest or challenge with prizes! All educational events will be recorded and available for viewing at any time on a private YouTube channel for Season Pass holders.

Donations and sponsorship from our annual Sustainable Ballard live Festival make up about 40% of our net annual income. With the help of Sustainable Ballard Board Members, Project Leads, community members and local business sponsors we hope to raise $15,0000 in 2020 through the UnFestival. Will you support us? 

Click here to get your Season Pass.

Groundswell NW 2020 June News

Groundswell NW supporters,

As we roll into June, we are not able to have or publicize our normal kinds of community events, but there are still ways for us all to enjoy and enhance our public green. 

Ann Sauer, Local Hero and former board member

Local Hero and former board member Ann Sauer is seen in this photo weeding on her own at the north end of the 36th Ave NW median, and Dave Roe has been busy tending the south end. Kate Gregory has been keeping things tidy at Salmon Bay Natural Area, and we're sure there are other neighbors pitching in to keep up our parks and habitat areas. Thanks to all for your efforts, and contact us if you'd like to help - or just pitch in!

Along these lines  East Ballard Community Association is doing their annual spring clean-up with a distancing twist.

And while folks are walking the neighborhood to get some exercise and/or fight cabin fever, try exploring our neighborhood green. The Groundswell NW walking tour is still up on the Feet First website. There's also a new City of Seattle Tree Walk app with interactive tours all around the city, and several more in PDF form at  https://www.seattle.gov/trees/get-involved/tree-walks. 

The Groundswell NW Board

GROUNDSWELL 2020 MAY NEWS

Happy May Groundswell Friends!

We have some exciting activities and news for the merry, merry month of May.

JANE’S WALK
We realize that normal events like work parties and gatherings may not be possible yet, but Groundswell has submitted a virtual "Jane's Walk" with Feet First. Check it out, either online on on a physically distanced walk.

SALMON BAY PARK STEWARDS
The Salmon Bay Park Stewards successfully rallied neighbors to make the most of this unusual "Six-Feet-Apart-Spring" by participating in a neighborhood window egg hunt. Houses all over Ballard placed festive decorated eggs in their windows for others to find on their socially distant walks throughout the month of April. Check out some favorites here and here on the SBPS instagram account. 

BUY A BOOK AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE BALLARD
“So, Dear Writer…: An It’s About Time Writers’ Reading Series Anthology” proceeds to Support Sustainable Ballard. The “It’s About Time Writers’ Reading Series” is delighted to be able to share the proceeds of its first anthology with Sustainable Ballard, “So, Dear Writer…” published by Cave Moon Press. “So, Dear Writer…” contains craft talks presented over the years. The book is both practical and inspiring.

“So, Dear Writer…” is available at Secret Garden Bookshop, and online through Cave Moon Press  or by contacting Peggy Sturdivant, editor, directly by email. Seattle’s Branch Library will also give “It’s About Time” a permanent home.

GIVE BIG TO BALLARD P-PATCH AND FRIENDS OF TROLL’S KNOLL
Don’t forget Give Big this month and help support the Ballard P-Patch and Friends of Troll’s Knoll.