My Ballard » Ballard

Arson fire this morning in Crown Hill

Meghan Walker — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:05:20 +0000

An apparent arson fire at NW 85th St and Mary Ave NW has prompted the Seattle Police Department to investigate. The fire was put out quickly, and there were no injuries.

From the SPD Blotter:

SPD Arson/Bomb Squad detectives are looking for a suspect in an arson fire, which damaged a north Seattle apartment building this morning.

Around 7:45 am, the suspect set a fire in the carport of the apartment building, at NW 85th Street and Mary Avenue NW in the Crown Hill neighborhood.

Several people used garden hoses to quickly put out the fire, but not before it damaged a parked car and scorched the walls of the apartment building.

New tree planted at Ballard Ave and NW Market St.

Meghan Walker — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:19:32 +0000

A new tree has been planted at the corner of NW Market St. and Ballard Ave. to replace the one that was mysteriously snapped in half last year. The In Ballard Merchants Association (IBMA) pulled the damaged tree out last summer, and just yesterday planted a new one in its place.

All photos courtesy Jeff Hackmeister

The original tree was dedicated in memory of Thomas R. Miller. The plaque just south of the tree says:

A long time political activist, Ballard arts lover, civic planner, restaurateur and humanitarian whose foresight, tenacity and commitment to community helped make Ballard a better place to work and play.

Incident at Whitman Middle School over Facebook threats

Meghan Walker — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:12:56 +0000

On Wednesday morning at Whitman Middle School, a physical altercation happened between Whitman students and non-students. According to the Seattle Police Department’s report, a student and her mother confronted some girls who, the student claimed, were going to gang up on her. The daughter’s mother claimed the threats were made on Facebook. Seattle Police were called, and according to the police report, the family fled the scene but were later found a few blocks away. The mother was arrested for assault and booked into King County Jail.

Here is a letter that was sent home to parents:

Dear Whitman Parents and Guardians:

This letter is to inform you of an incident that happened today as students were starting classes. There was a physical altercation that involved several Whitman students and non-students. Our staff members intervened; at our request district security and Seattle police responded. The parents of all involved Whitman students were notified directly about this incident.

I want to assure you that our first priority is the safety of our students and staff. In an effort to help ensure the safety and security of our students and staff, we will be securing all non-essential entrances to our building and additional staff members will be supervising our halls before, during, and after school. All visitors, per building and district rules are required to check into the main office and wear a badge while on school grounds.

It is my understanding that the incident started and escalated due to Facebook postings. If your student has a Facebook page, please monitor the activity. If you or your student learns of any potential safety issues or threats to our students or staff, do not hesitate to notify us.

If you have any concerns, please contact me.

S. Kleitsch, Principal

Whittier Elementary arts festival tonight

Meghan Walker — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:14:09 +0000

Tonight is Whittier Elementary’s 12th Annual Arts Festival from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Known as the “Arty Party,” the night will kick off with the Whittier unicyclists at 6 p.m., and then the on-stage performances will start at 6:15 p.m.

Whittier’s Dragon Art, installed earlier this year

There will be a book fair in the gym, and hot dogs from Dante’s for sale on the playground from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Art will be hanging throughout the hallways at the school, and there will be a bake sale to benefit the festival.

The school reminds families to bring cash or checks for the bake sale and Dante’s. They say $8 tickets will include a hot dog, chips and a drink, with a portion of the sales benefiting Whittier’s PTA fundraising.

Ballard High School track athletes to compete this weekend at state

Meghan Walker — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:18 +0000

By Bucky Beaver

Ballard High School will be sending seven student-athletes to the state competition this weekend. Here are their events and schedule:

Stuart Thomas—Boys 110m hurdles
- Preliminary heats Thursday at 5:35 pm
- Final heat Friday at 5:45 pm
Emma Suchland, Carolyn Birkenfeld, Cora Davies, Mia Wrey, and Maria Culp—Girls 4×400m relay
- Preliminary heats Thursday 9:15 pm
- Final heat Saturday 5:30 pm
Emma Suchland—100m dash
- Preliminary heats Friday 11:50 am
- Final heat Saturday 1:10 pm
Stuart Thomas—Boys 300m hurdles
- Preliminary heats Friday 1:30 pm
- Final heat Saturday 11:55 am
Emma Suchland, Carolyn Birkenfeld—200m dash
- Preliminary heats Friday 7:05 pm
- Final heat Saturday 4:15 pm
Alex Bowns—Boys 1600m
- Final race Saturday 4:20 pm
Mia Wrey—Girls 1600m
- Final race Saturday 4:30 pm

The events will be at Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma. Follow the action on Twitter https://twitter.com/BallardHSSports

Ballard fundraiser featuring Caspar Babypants next week

Meghan Walker — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:00:43 +0000

Next Friday, June 1 is the Kids Helping Kids “Fun-raiser” at the Ballard Community Center, featuring local kids’ rock star Caspar Babypants. It’s a Wellspring Family Services event, put together to help raise funds and awareness to help homeless children in our community.

Caspar Babypants. Photo credit Gayland Maynard

The night will include a performance by Caspar Babypants and classic movie shorts. Wellspring will also be collecting donations, and is asking for the following items:

Diapers and pull-ups
Formula (Similac)
Toiletries and First Aid Products (toothbrushes, soap, body lotion, shampoo/conditioner, baby nail clippers, deodorant, digital thermometers, etc.)

Tickets for the event are $15, and the organization says 100 percent of the proceeds will go to benefit Wellspring’s programs for homeless children. They’ll also have a variety of donated prices to be raffled at the event. There will be kid-friendly refreshments and treats from Pepsi, Majestic Bay Theatre, Cabot Creamery, and for adults, there will be wine from Silverlake Winery and Maritime Pacific Brewing Company. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Click here to buy tickets.

BHS film students win big at local film festival

Meghan Walker — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:43 +0000

Ballard High School is turning into a mini Hollywood; video production students took home 14 awards at the recent Northwest High School Film Festival.

Photo courtesy BHS

There were 354 productions from 25 high schools entered into the 14th annual film festival, which is the largest and longest running festival for high school filmmakers in the Puget Sound region, according to BHS teacher Matt Lawrence. The festival was judged by a panel of 23 industry professionals and college media professors.

BHS students’ productions were honored in six different categories: Comedic Narrative, Commercial, News Feature, Public Service Announcement, Dramatic Narrative, and Music Video. Lawrence tells us that some of the winning productions will be shown Friday, June 1 at The Showing, a screening of work by BHS video production students. The Showing will start at 7 p.m. in the BHS auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $10 for adults and $8 for students.

Ballard’s Northwest High School Film Festival winners:

Awards of Excellence:

Comedic Narrative: “The Number” by Alex Guettler, Ana Krafchick, Helen Miller

Commercial: “Crash Landing Pizza” by Ariahna Ghormley, Louis Weissman, Mackenzie Wright

News Feature: “Your Teen Health Center” by Zachary Green, Isaiah Hoban Halversen, Kimi Rutledge

Public Service Announcement: “Ballard Food Bank” by Brittney Blokker, Jacob Scott, Sam Weller and “Paper or Plastic” by Oona Lowe, David Moore, Adlai Nissen

Honorable Mentions

Comedic Narrative: “Chalk” by Kenton King, Adlai Nissen, Silvano Ross and “Thanks for Nothing” by Cedar Crook, Alex James, Brianna Kadem

Dramatic Narrative: “The Craft” by Walker Evans, Elise Neroutsos, Sam Weller, James Vitz-Wong; “Falling” by Dayan Flynn-Walsh, Oona Lowe, Mackenzie Wright; “Making a Mark” by Brittney Blokker, Helen Miller, Sam Welle; and “Sunlight” by Isaiah Hoban Halversen, Kenji Takada-Dill

Music Video: “We Are the Children” by John Christensen, Darienne Noelle-Clark, Alex Scheller, Jacob Scott

Public Service Announcement: “Extend School Lunch” by Nick Coons-Levy, Gabe Fabens, Quinlin North, Lorenzo Rossi; “Trash Talks” by Julian Amrine, Nick Hauger, Josh Vredevoogd

Donate your old bikes at Ballard High School this Friday

Meghan Walker — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:45 +0000

The Ballard High School Earth Service Corps is putting on a Bike Drive this Friday, May 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the high school’s upper parking lot. Rafael Regan, a junior at BHS, writes that this event is for, “people to bring their old and/or used bikes they no longer need and donate them to Bike Works, an organization that repairs and gives the bikes to people and youth in need of bikes.”

The BHS Earth Service Corps is a program, “committed to the Earth,” including taking part in service activities, and even running the school’s composting program, according to their Facebook page.

Thaiku to “pop-up” at Copper Gate

Meghan Walker — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:06 +0000

Thaiku, the popular Thai restaurant that closed in December due to a property dispute, is setting up a pop-up restaurant at its sister venue, Copper Gate (6301 24th Avenue NW) on Thursday, May 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Some of Thaiku’s former staff will serve the meal at the pop-up, and several popular dishes will be on the menu (Mieng Kahm, Sua Rong Hai and Yum Gai to name a few), including a couple of their signature herb-infused cocktails. The food will range from $7 to $12. The former band which played in Thaiku’s bar, Fu Kun Wu, known as the Fu Kun Wu Trio (Jon Alberts on piano, Jeff Johnson on bass and Tad Britton on drums) have been playing at Copper Gate every Thursday night since Thaiku closed.

Thaiku plans to “pop-up” at Copper Gate often until they open a new location. Alberts, the restaurant owner, says, “we all miss Thaiku and Fu Kun Wu. We’re still actively looking for the right space to reincarnate. For now, let’s see how this goes.”

Update on transit improvements on NW Market St.

Meghan Walker — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:20:06 +0000

If you’ve traveled down NW Market St. in the past few weeks, you’ve surely noticed the gaping holes on either side of the road at both 11th Ave NW and 28th Ave NW. The Seattle Department of Transportation dug up the sidewalks a few weeks ago, part of the process that will widen the sidewalks for safer bus stops. SDOT says there were some delays due to issues with underground utilities, but that concrete should be going in within the next week if weather cooperates, and lanes should reopen by the end of next week.

The work is part of the Transit Priority Corridor Improvement (TPCI) projects, which are designed to, “increase the efficiency of the transit system, helping people move quickly and reliably through Seattle’s busiest corridors,” says SDOT. This project will improve what SDOT calls, “one of the city’s most heavily traveled areas.”

SDOT plans to have crews, “make improvements to sidewalks, curb ramps, bus bulbs, pedestrian lighting and other passenger amenities.”

Ballard Boys & Girls Club has new pre-kindergarten program

Meghan Walker — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

The Ballard Boys & Girls Club has started a new pre-kindergarten class, called Jumpstart to Kindergarten. The program is for 4 1/2- to 5-year-olds, and is intended to help them get ready for kindergarten the next year. According to an announcement from the club, “There’s an emphasis on core basics…writing the alphabet (both upper and lower case), counting and writing numbers, simple math as well as recognizing shapes, colors, and the sounds of each letter of the alphabet.”

To learn more about the class, or for a tour of the club, contact the program’s creator and teacher Toni Heppner at 206-372-8160.

Ballard High School hosts plant sale all week

Meghan Walker — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:59:26 +0000

If you’re trying to get your garden going and want to help support local education, visit the Ballard High School Greenhouse for vegetable starts. All the proceeds will benefit the BHS Greenhouse Program.

BHS students will be selling the veggie starts today through Friday, May 25 between 2:30 and 4 p.m.The greenhouse is located on 15th Ave NW.

Ballard Health Club to host community bike ride

Meghan Walker — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:06 +0000

This weekend, on Saturday, May 26, the Ballard Health Club (BHC) will host a bike ride for club members and friends. Jade Dahle, a BHC manager and trainer, says it is part of their monthly BHC Club Ride. The ride starts at BikeSport (5601 24th Ave NW) at 12 p.m.

Photo from April’s ride, courtesy Jade Dahle

The club is teaming up with BikeSport to put together the ride. Dahle says the ride, “falls somewhere between BikeSport’s ‘coffee ride’ and ‘training ride’ and is tailored to those that participate.” She says that last month was the inaugural ride, and the ride went mostly along the Burke Gilman Trail to Matthew’s Beach and back. The ride is about two hours long, and Dahle says they maintain a pace of about 12-14 mph on average.

Nordic Heritage Museum exhibit to feature famous Finnish architect

Meghan Walker — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:00:12 +0000

This week, the Nordic Heritage Museum will unveil their new exhibit featuring one of the most famous and influential architects of the 20th century, Eero Saarinen. The exhibit is titled, “Eero Saarinen: A Reputation for Innovation,” and will showcase his life and prolific work. On Wednesday, May 23, guest curator Mina Marefat from Georgetown University will give a lecture on Saarinen at 7 p.m., followed by a preview of the exhibit. The exhibit officially opens on Friday, May 25.

Saarinen, who is Finnish, is known for his work on the iconic St. Louis Arch, the TWA Terminal of New York’s JFK Airport, and the Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. He also designed furniture, and the exhibit will showcase an overview of his key architectural projects and furniture pieces, such as the “Womb Chair” and “Tulip Chair.”

The exhibit will also feature photographs and documents that tell his biography from his childhood in Finland to his life in America, including his covert service to the U.S. Office of Strategic Services during World War II, according to the Nordic Heritage Museum.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the lecture on Wednesday, with a suggested donation of $5, and reservations are encouraged. To reserve a spot, call 206-789-5707 ext. 21, or email rsvp@nordicmuseum.org.

Man shot at Greenwood-Ballard car wash Sunday morning

Meghan Walker — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:10:24 +0000

From our sister site, Phinney-Wood:

Seattle Police say a man was shot at The Carwash Palace at Northwest 85th Street and 8th Avenue NW Sunday morning.

From the SPD Blotter:

On 5/20/12, shortly after 9:00 a.m., officers responded to a report of a shooting at 85th and 8th NW. Officers located a male in his 40′s with a gunshot wound to his upper body. Seattle Fire responded and treated the man on scene. He was then transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses reported that the victim was sitting in his car at a carwash at 85th and 8th NW. An unknown race male got into the victim’s vehicle and an argument ensued. The witness then heard a “pop”. The suspect fled with an accomplice in a gold colored late 90’s Honda Accord eastbound in the alley south of NW 85th Street. Both suspects were described as non-Caucasian.

Information gathered at the scene indicates that this is not a random act. This is an open and active investigation.

Emergency preparedness meeting tomorrow in Whittier Heights

Meghan Walker — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:05:32 +0000

Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 22) night is the second meeting for emergency preparedness planning, held at Whittier Elementary. The Whittier Heights Community Council says the purpose is to, “encourage block-by-block planning to care for ourselves and our neighbors – not just for catastrophic events, but those occurring more frequently – like snow/ice storms.”

From the Whittier Heights Community Council:

Did you come to the first meeting and since have gotten your block together and started to build a plan? Great! Come share your tips of what went well and what progress you are making.

Did you leave the last meeting filled with enthusiasm, but never quite got around to getting your block together? That’s okay! Come on Tuesday night to get a refill on that enthusiasm and hear from others about what is working for them!

Did you not come to the first meeting and now fear it is TOO LATE?! Again, no worries, you can still join in. Come get resources so you can get started making a plan for preparing your block for an emergency!

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Whittier Elementary Library (1320 NW 75th St).

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery opens today

Meghan Walker — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:01 +0000

As we told you earlier this month, Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery has been gearing up for their first brick-and-mortar location. The store was softly open over the weekend, with their official opening scheduled for today. Owner Autumn Martin is the brains behind the delectable treats known as molten cakes, and is making a name for herself across the country with her bacon, oatmeal and raisin cookie (featured in Bon Appetit) and her s’more cookie (featured in The Wall Street Journal). The dessert shop is at 5427 Ballard Ave.

Upon walking into the shop, the smell of melted butter fills the nostrils. On the menu of Martin’s new dessert shop are cookies of all flavors, “bacon josephines,” sweet and savory “pocket pies,” cinnamon rolls, and more. Martin will serve creme brulee with rhubarb jam, and, of course, molten chocolate cakes baked to serve. The cake toppings run the gamut, with saffron salted caramel, lavender jalapeno caramel, peanut butter ganache to name a few.

Martin, a Ballard resident for the last ten years, used to sell her molten cakes exclusively at farmer’s markets. Now, with her very own location on Ballard Ave, Martin says she thinks Ballard was lacking a dessert shop.

The shop’s simple decor includes two seating areas: a white bench lines the front window, with exposed brick in some places. Across from the counter is another seating area with benches, small wooden tables and stools. A number of old black and white photographs are scattered about, which Martin says she’s been collecting for years.

Hot Cakes will also serve wine and beer, and even “boozy milkshakes,” which will be on the menu as soon as they get their liquor license.

They’ll also sell molten cakes to go; a small freezer near the front of the store offers a take-and-bake option.

The shop’s hours are Monday through Friday, 4 to 10 p.m. and open Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. They’ll be open late on weekends, until 11 p.m.

Ima Norwegian

Geeky Swedes — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:44:36 +0000

Funny guys Tim Hunter and Frank Shiers bring a little Scandihoovian humor to MyBallard in a weekly cartoon called Ima Norwegian.

Ima Norwegian is a life-time Ballard resident who lives in a modest home with her husband Lars. Both are Ballard High School graduates (Go Beavers) but you’ll have to really dig to figure out which year they graduated. Ima won’t willingly offer her age, but will admit that it rhymes with ‘nifty-something’. Ima said she would only appear in the cartoon if we featured her in her traditional Norwegian bunad. And remember, she only needs her glasses for reading. Her two kids are out on their own, in the area and close enough that they occasionally stop by. Ima believes it’s because they miss their mother and they just happened to also need to do their laundry.

The story behind the ducks that crossed Ballard

Geeky Swedes — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:59:58 +0000

We posted a photo from My Ballard reader Jennifer on Thursday that became one of the most-shared stories in our history: Ballardites helping a new family of ducks cross Leary Ave. It turns out that wasn’t the only busy street they crossed, and here’s the story behind the ducks’ harrowing journey.

“That’s me in the orange shirt behind the ducks,” explains Swedish employee John Hatton in a comment he left on the original story. “Mama duck had been nesting right outside our office window at Swedish Ballard Radiation Treatment Center for the past month. That morning, they hatched, and around 1 p.m., they were on the move towards water. Feeling responsible for them, we could not just let them head across 3 busy streets to get there!”

With the help of Dr. Daniel Landis, Hatton said they began escorting the ducks on their journey, enlisting the help of others along the way. “At one point, one of the ducklings fell through a storm drain grate, but fortunately I was able to remove the steel grate and get him out,” Hatton explains. “The guys at Carter Volkswagen helped us get across Leary Way. We picked up some more helpful folks on Ballard Avenue, and after a couple minor detours (into an office, into a bar), it appeared she was headed to cross Shilshole Avenue at Dock street.”

By a sheer stroke of luck, Hatton’s brother owns a business in the ducks’ path — Hatton Marine — so he jumped on the phone to alert him. “I called his cell and had him and his guys meet us and help stop traffic for us on the very busy street. Mother and all twelve ducklings made it safely into the water via the Hatton Marine parking lot.”

“What an adventure!” Hatton exclaims. “I get a kick out of the fact that they started at my office and ended at my brother’s.”

Ballard’s musical and bicycle takeover

Meghan Walker — Sat, 19 May 2012 00:52:49 +0000

Today in Ballard, music was playing all day long with KEXP’s Hood-to-Hood broadcast and at 4 p.m., the Bike to Work after party joined the fun, setting up booths and handing out free goodies.

Some musical faithfuls watch Deep Sea Diver perform at noon today.

Deep Sea Divers on the KEXP stage.

KEXP DJs John Richards and Cheryl Waters, during their live broadcast earlier today.

At 4 p.m., the bikes started to arrive for the Bike to Work after party.

The Maldives took the stage at 4 p.m., and the crowd started to thicken just as the sun peeked through the clouds.

The Maldives, playing for free at the KEXP Hood to Hood live broadcast.

Mud Bay turns 3 this weekend

Meghan Walker — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:00:19 +0000

Pet supply store Mud Bay is celebrating their third year of business this weekend with a three-day birthday party. “We want to thank the Ballard neighborhood for our warm initial reception and subsequent public embrace by inviting everyone to come by the Ballard Mud Bay on May 18th, 19th and/or 20th,” says the store.

Photo from their opening in May 2009

They plan to have raffles, educational classes, and free treats for all visitors. El Camion, the taco truck, will also be on site for the celebrations.

Get your car washed by the BHS girls basketball team tomorrow

Meghan Walker — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:27 +0000

On Saturday, May 19, the girls basketball team from Ballard High School will be washing cars at Bernie’s Automotive (4420 Leary Way NW) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of BHS

Scenes from Ballard’s annual Syttende Mai parade

Meghan Walker — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:29:33 +0000

Yesterday was Syttende Mai, a day to celebrate all things Norwegian. The annual parade brought thousands to the neighborhood , and Norwegian flags and attire galore filled the streets of Ballard.

The parade route was longer this year, starting at Adams Elementary on 24th Ave NW and weaving its way down Market St and then Ballard Ave, where it ended at Dock St.

KEXP celebrates Hood-to-Hood celebration in Ballard today

Meghan Walker — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:58 +0000

As we mentioned earlier this week, today is the day where music will seep from every corner of Ballard, as KEXP descends upon Ballard for the Hood-to-Hood celebration.

KEXP DJ Kevin Cole from last year’s event

Here is a list of the music happening around Ballard today:

Bergen Place Park, 10:00am – 6:00 p.m., with live DJ sets from Cheryl Waters and Kevin Cole

10:00am – Ramona Falls

12:00pm – Deep Sea Diver

2:00pm – My Goodness

4:00pm – The Maldives

5:30pm – Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

A Benefit for the Ballard Food Bank 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Live music hosted by KEXP DJ John Richards at the Ballard Food Bank. Featuring River Giant [Acoustic] (All-Ages) Cover: Suggested Donation of $5

The Sunset, 9:00pm – close. Live music hosted by KEXP DJ Shannon (21+) Cover: $8 Public/$6 for KEXP Donors. Featuring The Redwood Plan, Grayskul and Wow & Flutter

Tractor Tavern, 8:30 p.m. – close, Hosted by DJ El Toro (21+) Cover: $10 Public/ $8 for KEXP Donors. Featuring Lindsay Fuller, The Horde and the Harem, and Legendary Oaks

Conor Byrne, 9 p.m. – close, Hosted by Hans (21+) Cover: $8 Public/$6 KEXP Donors. Featuring Tiny Messengers, Ghosts I’ve Met, and Joy Mills

Hazlewood, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. (21+) Free. Featuring Johnny Horn.

BalMar – Bike to Work Day After Party, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (21+) Free. Featuring Wo’ Pop & El Sonido with Darek Mazzone, DJ Rhythma and DJ Chilly.

The Sexton, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. (21+) Free Featuring Larry Rose

Hattie’s Hat, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. (21+) Free. Featuring Swingin’ Doors with DJ Don Slack

Seattle’s new bike maps available

Meghan Walker — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:18:57 +0000

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has just released new bicycle maps for the city. The new map includes the most recent bike projects and information about how to bike safely, what the rules of the road are, and descriptions with graphics of bike signs and permanent markings used in Seattle, according to SDOT. They are also releasing a pocket sized map, which focuses on giving you important info, “needed to move around the city by bike.” To plan your trips now, visit here. Free copies of the maps are available through the Bike Alliance of Washington, (206) 224-9252, or by filling out an online form.

SDOT has also just released a video depicting how bikers should use the green bike lanes and boxes that have been popping up around Seattle. To view the video, click here.

Ballard ducks get special treatment

Meghan Walker — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:43:14 +0000

One of our readers sent us this photo of some good Ballard samaritans helping a family of ducks cross the street on Leary Way. She says eight men stopped traffic, helping the ducks get safely from one side to the other.

Thanks for photo, Jennifer!

Happy Syttende Mai!

Meghan Walker — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:22:48 +0000

It’s a big day in Ballard, and Norwegian pride will be running strong with activities all day long, culminating in the annual Syttende Mai (17th of May) parade through the heart of Ballard from 6 to 8 p.m. And, some trivia for you: the Syttende Mai celebrations have been taking place in our state since the year our state was admitted to the union in 1889.

Here is a list of the events:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Nordic Heritage Museum: Enjoy kids games and free admission to the NHM all day; Nordic Cafe will be selling Scandinavian treats, and fjord horses will be on site.

Noon – 2 p.m.: Luncheon at Leif Erikson Hall (2245 NW 57th St.) Tickets $30, call (206) 783-1274

2 – 5 p.m.: Bergen Place Park. On-going live, free entertainment.

3 – 5 p.m.: Open House and Cafe at Leif Erickson Hall. Food, beverages, wine and beer available for purchase. Local Scandinavian organizations will have promotional material about their groups.

5 – 9 p.m.: Syttende Gay at BalMar. Combining Seattle’s Scandinavian GLBT community and the annual Syttende Mai celebration, Syttende Gay is celebrated at BalMar (5449 Ballard Ave NW). From BalMar: “The beneficiary non-profit will be Washington United For Marriage. This year’s optional theme is Russ which is a yearly grad tradition in Norway during 17th of May. A Mardi-Gras like celebration with a youthful vibe, Russ-wear is red or blue bib overalls with sewn flags and zany accessories.”

6 – 8 p.m: The Syttende Mai Parade. The parade starts at Adams Elementary at NW 62nd and 24th Ave NW, goes south to Market Street, east to Bergen Place Park, turns down 22nd Ave NW and continues south on Ballard Ave NW to Dock Street. Parking can be difficult, so arrive early.

For more info on the event, visit the 17th of May website.

Ingraham High School to perform ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’

Meghan Walker — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:00:49 +0000

Tonight, Ingraham High School’s drama department will debut their recent production, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” The play is directed by Heidi Oveson, and the sets were created with help from a parent that used to work at the 5th Avenue Theatre, says Wayne Buck, parent of an Ingraham student. (Watch a preview here)

Photo by Wayne Buck

The play will run May 17 – 19, and 25 -26 at 7 p.m. and May 27th 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for general admission.

Thanks Wayne!

Time lapse view of crane assembly

Meghan Walker — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:00:04 +0000

Ed Sozinho sent us this time lapse he put together of the crane assembly at 15th Ave NW and NW Market Street.

Thanks, Ed, for the tip!

Bus rerouting for Syttende Mai parade

Meghan Walker — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:00:37 +0000

Tomorrow is the Syttende Mai parade in Ballard, celebrating the 17th of May, which is Norwegian Constitution Day. The parade is from 6 to 8 p.m. and weaves down 24th Ave NW, turning east on Market Street, south on 22nd Ave NW, continuing south on Ballard Ave NW to Dock Street. Buses will be rerouted during that time, according to King County Metro.

Metro says service will be, “rerouted off of Leary Ave NW, NW Market St & 24th Av NW, and will travel instead via alternate nearby streets, depending on the route, destination and direction of travel.” They say to expect bus rerouting from about 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rerouted buses include Routes 17, 18, 44, 46 and 75 (click on each route number to view rerouting).

For specific reroute details and times, visit the Metro Online Construction & Events page.