At Large in Ballard: The answer is always yes

amrook — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:12:08 +0000

In Africa villagers sometimes pull up silver or gemstones when drawing water from the river. I had the same feeling of unexpectedly finding something precious when I went to the third floor of the Ballard Building to ask Jamie Jockwig about a trip to Africa advertised in the office space he shares with jeweler George Smith.

Though Phil’s Jewelry is no longer a storefront on Market Street, owner George Smith still plies his trade upstairs. I had previously met Jamie when picking up a jewelry repair; he sticks his head out if George isn’t there. I just thought he was another jeweler.

Jamie Jockwig could more accurately be described as a man on a mission. Not only does he have a plan to improve the lives of children in Africa, he wants to change the entire jewelry industry, and until a few years ago he wasn’t even trained as a jeweler.

An only child raised in Michigan, Jamie had been around the world 23 times by age twenty-eight. He led service teams for a faith-based organization in many different countries, always asking of himself, where did he most want to get involved? It was Africa that caught him.

McGinn's 2012 State of the City Address focused on economic recovery

amrook — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:10:37 +0000

Mayor Mike McGinn delivered his third State of the City Address in City Council Chambers on February 21 as is mandated by the City Charter. The 2012 State of the City Address focused on Seattle's economic recovery from the longest, deepest recession since the Great Depression, implementation of the overwhelmingly approved and enhanced Families and Education Levy, and recent city efforts to protect public safety in our neighborhoods.

Text of the speech, as written, is available on the mayor's blog. And a video of the speech, archived by Seattle Channel, is available at seattle.gov/media.

Ballard gymnasts finish season with a run at State Championships

amrook — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:00:15 +0000

Three Ballard gymnasts competed at the State Championships over the weekend.

Coach Stephanie Gundel said there were some rough spots but overall the championships was a good experience for the student athletes.

"Freshman Lauren Lee had a very good and consistent meet, competing well on vault, bars and beam. Her highest placement came on bars where she was 28th. While Laila Lee had a bit of trouble on bars, she had her best beam routine of the year. Although senior Maria Volk didn't have her best floor routine she did well on vault to finish a great Ballard gymnastics career," said Gundel. "Looking forward to next season." already

Scores:

Vault
Maria Volk 8.75
Lauren Lee 8.55

Bars
Lauren Lee 8.15
Laila Lee 6.625

Beam
Lauren Lee 8.5
Laila Lee 8.45

Floor
Maria Volk 7.9

Ballard Big Picture: Cake and Coffee for Norwegian King Harald’s 75th Birthday

amrook — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:02:35 +0000

By Shane Harms

Last night’s visiting lecture series held at the Swedish hospital in Ballard was sweetened with cake and coffee in honor of the Norwegian King Harald V’s 75th birthday.

The visiting lecture series, presented by the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, The Ballard Chamber of Commerce. and the Consul of Norway, presented researcher Willy Østreng and renowned polar explorer Liv Arnesen from the Thor Heyerdahl Institute of Norway.

Willy Østreng provided details in the potential for shipping routes through the Arctic Ocean as the polar ice caps melt, and Liv Arnesen told the story and success of her life long dream of skiing across the Antarctic continent.

BHS to host girls basketball camp; car wash fundraisers coming up

amrook — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:17:41 +0000

Ballard High School will be hosting a mid-winter basketball camp for 6th to 8th grade girls.

Starting Monday, Feb 27, the camp will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm each evening until Thursday, to Thursday March 1, at Ballard High School, 1418 NW 65th St.

The cost is $40 per player.

Contact BHS head girls basketball coach Wetstone at wetstonesara@yahoo.com for more details.

Car Washes:

Additionally, the BHS girls basketball teams will be raising funds for the upcoming season with a number of car washes during the off-season.

All of the car washes will be at Bernie's Automotive, 4420 Leary Way Northwest.

The schedule for the car washes is:

Saturday April 28th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday May 19th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday June 2nd 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday July 14th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday August 4th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Annual pancake breakfast provides scholarship money for low-income families; volunteers needed

amrook — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:41:38 +0000

Loyal Heights Community Center is once again hosting their annual pancake breakfast on March 4th. This family-fun event is the community center’s major fund raiser to provide low-income families with scholarships for programs and activities throughout the year.

In addition to the all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage, there will be activities and crafts for kids.

The event will tale place on March 4th from 8 a.m. till noon at the Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th Street.

Tickets are $4 per person in advance, $5 at the door. There's no charge for kids three and younger.

Organizers are looking for volunteers to make this fundraiser happen. PLease contact the community center at 206-684-4052 for more info.

Mayor's State of the City Speech streamed live on the Seattle Channel this afternoon

amrook — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:07:45 +0000

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn will deliver his annual State of the City Speech this afternoon.

McGinn will touch on his efforts to widen the circle of prosperity, public safety, and how to position Seattle to compete and succeed in the global economy.

The speech will be streaming live from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. on the Seattle Channel on Cable 21.