Aerial Photo Of Hospital And Construction Update

Aerial view of hospital campus taken on February 15th

The Children's Hospital Construction Blog recently posted aerial photos of the campus including the new buildings showing the progress made in the last few months.

The blog posts says:

Continuing to document the progress of our expansion through aerial photos, you’ll now see some very bright color on the new building taking shape (it’s not actually the color of the new building’s exterior, just the materials underneath).

No longer naked steel beams, you can now see the exterior walls and windows being added, and the sky bridge that connects the new and existing hospital buildings.

Soon, crews will start installing stone shingles and metal panels that will make up the majority of the exterior enclosure; the glass awnings and colored glass fins will follow, ctivities that will continue into summer.

For questions and general information call 206-987-6197. For the 24-Hour monitored Emergency Hotline call 206-971-3316.

Public Invited To Submit Request To Relocate Billboard At Five Corners By Friday

Once a year Seattle residents have the opportunity to request the relocation of a billboard sign by sending a request to the City's Department of Planning and Development.
The Laurelhurst Community Club has recently submitted a request to move the large billboard at Five Corners, the busy intersection of Mary Gates Memorial Drive NE, NE 45th Street, NE 45th Place and Union Bay Place NE.   

In order for requests to be considered, the sign must be located in Seattle in an area where advertising signs are permitted by City Code. 

"All requests for relocation are processed and considered by the owner of the advertising sign. The relocation request process is voluntary and the owner of the billboard has the right to decline the request," the information says.

Here is the letter LCC to Diane Sigamura, DPD Director:

The Laurelhurst Community Club Board of Trustees voted unanimously at its last Trustee meeting to nominate the billboard located at Five Corners, for relocation. It is a very busy intersection. 

The connecting streets provide direct routes to University Village, the main corridor to Seattle Children’s Hospital and an important connection to the University of Washington and Husky Stadium.

This intersection has a level of service (LOS) rating of F.

The billboard at this intersection contributes to driver distraction, even more so in recent years due to Code changes that authorize video components to signs and billboards.

Aside from driver distraction and the accompanying bicyclist and pedestrian safety issues, the billboard at Five Corners is unattractive and out of context.  An oversized billboard at this location gives the feeling that one is driving on SR 99.

When the Sand Point Naval Air Station was conveyed to the City of Seattle in 1997, the need for this section of NE 45th Street to be held as a state highway spur was eliminated.  It would be wonderful to now remove this vestige of state highway appearance and restore the aesthetic environment to one appropriate for an arterial that winds between residential neighborhoods. 

Over the years, the Laurelhurst Community Club Board of Trustees has heard from many neighbors complaining about the billboard at Five Corners for the reasons that we have cited.  We hope that you will give our nomination serious consideration.
                                              

The public can send requests until Friday of this week to Diane Sugimura, Director; Department of Planning and Development, via email at diane.sugimura@seattle.gov or by regular mail sent to  PO Box 34019; Seattle, WA 98124-4019.

The Laurelhurst Community Club encourages neighbors to send in their comments regarding the Five Corners billboard.

Free Tax Assistance Available Thursdays Through April At NE Branch

The Seattle Public Library, AARP and the United Way of King County are offering free tax help at the Northeast Branch (6801 35th Avenue NE)  of the Seattle Public Library every Thursday through April 12th from 2-7pm.

Trained volunteers are available to answer questions and prepare personal tax returns.  Thie service is free and available to all individuals, excluding those who file business tax returns.

IRS reproducible forms are available for photocopy at the library and some libraries carry print forms. Most forms aare available online at http://www.irs.gov/.

(photo courtesy of SPL website)

City's Landmarks Preservation Board Has Two Openings

New members  are being sought for the Landmarks Preservation Board, a 12-member Board, that makes recommendations to Seattle City Council for landmark designation and reviews proposed physical alterations to designated features of landmark properties.

The Board is composed of two architects, two historians, one structural engineer, one representative each from the fields of real estate and finance, one member from the City Planning Commission, a Get Engaged member, and three members at-large.

The deadline to submit a letter of interest and resume is Monday by email to mailto:Sarah.Sodt@seattle.gov,  reference Landmarks Preservation Board in the subject line. All appointments are made by the Mayor,  and subject to City Council confirmation.   Applicants must be Seattle residents.

Board members serve without compensation and meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 3:30pm. Board members must commit approximately 10 hours per month to Board business.

For more information, call Sarah Sodt at (206) 615-1786. .

Construction Activites This Week At Hospital Site

Here are the construction activities taking place this week through Sunday at the Children's Hospital Construction site:

Building Exterior Cladding

Crews are onsite installing the window frames and glass, and the metal panels that will make up the majority of the exterior enclosure. The glass awnings and the colored glass fins will follow, along with the exterior stone wall shingles. These activities will continue into summer.

Installation of Metal Stud-Framed Walls

Crews are onsite installing the metal stud-framed walls that will make up the interior and exterior framing of the building.

 

Landscaping Activities

Crews are grading for the Plaza fire lane along Train and Giraffe buildings. You will see concrete and pump trucks and equipment during this activity. The fire lane, which consists of a retaining wall and concrete walkway, are expected to be complete by mid-February.

Crews are also working to install the retaining wall and concrete stairs at the southeast corner of the site.

 

Installation of New Gas Line

PSE has completed the new gas line install along 40th Avenue NE. Crews have temporarily patched the removed concrete paving panels with asphalt and will need to return to install concrete panels in the coming months.  When it occurs, this concrete paving activity will again disrupt parking and traffic.


(photo courtesy of Hospital website)

Reader Displaying Art Work At Nearby Gretchen's To Raise Funds For New Service Dog

One of our readers, Jessica, sent us email that her artwork is on display for a special cause for the next 2 months at Gretchen's Place (5432 Sand Point Way Northeast) at Sand Point Village.

She writes:

I am a local artist with a disability.  I was partnered with a golden retriever service dog, my best friend until her death from cancer in 2010. 

I am now in the process of fundraising for my future service dog, specifically through selling my artwork including a limited edition print line of my beloved Hope.

Along with several samples of my 'Hope Print', also available on my website, there area handful of other pieces on display, all sales going to my service dog fundraiser (managed by a 501(c)3 nonprofit).

This project is special to me because it both memorializes my past service partner, Hope, and it is a fundraiser for my future service dog, giving me hope to go on.

More information about Jessica can be found on her blog including information about her late dog in which she says "She became an extension of me, an intricate part of my ability to function.  With Hope by my side doors began to open. I discovered my life passion–art. With her assistance I was able to attend classes, engage in the arts community, successfully show my work, and discover my true style."

Along with a selection of Jessica's Hope prints, also showcased at Gretchen's will be some of her other works incuding the "Tree Series"which are larger Monoprints on top of a black background, which result in "creating unique and varied images,"her website says.

Jessica is selling 200 limited edition prints, size 4.5×6″ on 8×11″ high quality printmaking paper for a $25  donation.

Jessica's story, pictures of her late dog and photos of her artwork can be found here or on Facebook. 

Family Walking Event Tomorrow At Magnuson

Jessica, a University of Washington nursing student, sent us email to share with the community about a walking event  tomorrow at 2pm at Magnuson Park.

The event called "My Heart, My Life, My Walking Club" is in partnership with the American Heart Association, and will not only be a fun family walking event "good for your heart and health," but there will also be fun activities for children, fun give-away items for participants, opportunity to meet new families and a chance to "experience the great outdoors in beautiful Magnuson Park" the invite says.

Tomorrow's event is the kick-off event,  for the newly established Northeast Family Walking Club, that the UW nursing students have established that will continue to meet throughout the quarter. It is also part of a larger nationwide American Heart Association Walking Club of Communities. 

Jessica told us "It is a free event, just to get people together to walk, meet new people, have fun."

Meet at Picnic Shelter #3 at Magnuson Park, which is located at the play area, north side of the foccer Fields.

Here is an online map of the walking route.

Sign up online here or call AHA at (206) 632-6881.

Free Opera Preview Tonight At The Northeast Branch Library

The Northeast Branch of the Seattle Public Library is having a free preview lecture of Seattle Opera’s upcoming production of Christoph Willibald Gluck's "Orpheus and Eurydice,"  presented by the Seattle Opera Education Department staff. from 6-7:30pm.

The information says:

Gluck’s sumptuous and exhilarating account of the legendary Greek hero’s descent into the underworld to rescue his true love changed the course of musical storytelling forever. With its perfectly crafted libretto and generous helping of music -- choral passages, ballets, duets and the hero’s famous lament -- Orpheus conveys a timeless message of love’s power to triumph over all.

The opera runs from February 25th to March 10th at the Seattle Opera House, and is in French with English subtitles.

Laurelhurst Beach Club Board Accepting Applications For General Manager Position

The Laurelhurst Beach Club is actively looking for a new General Manager for this summer,.  The previous manager for the past three summers is not returning.

The Board sent us some information about the open General Manager position, which among many duties detailed below, is responsible for managing the lifeguard, front desk and sailing program staff,  as well as overseeing the business administration and facilities maintenance and reports to Beach Club Board President and Chairpersons.

The position requires strong leadership and organizational skills, experience working with children and families, and

is also responsible for providing outstanding customer service and creating and maintaining an environment that is safe.  

Here is the job description:

Duties:

• Hire, train and supervise the Lifeguard Manager, Front Desk Manager and staff, Facilities Manager position,  Sailing Program Manager and staff
• Manage staff and handle personnel issues
• Monitor staffing plan and establish procedures for personnel reviews
• Schedule and facilitate weekly staff meetings.
• Develop and oversee monthly In-service training programs for staff to promote safety. 
• Liaise with the current Business Manager  to establish cash flow, budget and payroll procedures
• Report all income and expenses (including wages) to LBC Treasurer and operate within the approved LBC budget
• Lead training and certification of lifeguard staff prior to opening day in early June.
• Provide staffing or ensure senior guard on duty during all hours of operations.
• Be available on call.
• Hours to be present, at a minimum, Wednesdays-Sundays during the season (early June – Labor Day in 2012).
• Enforce all club rules.
• Oversee and conduct daily safety checks of LBC equipment and the surrounding beach club area, and report problems to
• the appropriate person(s).
• Ensure that facility, including club buildings and grouds are well-maintained and clean
• Review and/or create and update all procedural practices and manuals (emergency procedures, cleaning check-lists,
• opening and closing procedures, check-in procedures, supply ordering, store purchases and sales, etc.)
• Coordinate and manage special including 4th of July, Kids Overnight, Adult Party, Ice Cream Social, Movie Nights, Summer Sailing Series and Sailing Instruction camps.
• Recommend and implement additional summer and off season events to provide the membership opportunities to utilize
• their club.
• Recommend membership policy changes and LBC rule changes as needed.
• Provide LBC Board with post-season review – summary of staff evaluations & recommendations, and maintenanceand facility recommendations.
• Ensure facility is opened-up properly for start of season.
• Supervise administration and tracking of swim tests levels for children under 12.
• Supervise members and guests – including tracking access to the club.
• Monitor security program for the LBC.
• Supervise concessions sales/ice cream program.
• Coordinate and manage kayak and paddle board program.

Off-season duties:

• Manage staff selection process – solicit and accept applications, conduct interviews, create job descriptions and
• employment contracts.
• Work with LBC chairpersons to create staffing budget for upcoming season.
• Develop the LBC operations plan – shift responsibilities, rotations and schedules.
• Work with the LBC board to develop LBC calendar, LBC schedule, LBC hours, etc.
• Review and/or create procedural manuals and update as necessary.
• Create a training plan for staff – certification updates, initial in-service and then monthly in-services.
• Work with LBC Board to determine list of “To Do” items for pre and post season work parties.
• Order all appropriate supplies and materials for staff and facility, as needed - guard uniforms, safety equipment, sailing
• equipment, front desk supplies, ice cream program supplies, etc.
•  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed:

• Ability to positively interact with members and guests.
• Work outdoors and will include exposure to all types of weather conditions
• Knowledgeable in areas of maintenance, personnel supervision, and public relations. 
• Must hold current Red Cross CPR and First Aid certificates as of the date of hire
• Ability to carry out task initiatives, work under minimal supervision; demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Prevent accidents through rule enforcement; remain calm in emergency situations, analyze and correct facility hazards and establish and implement facility emergency procedures.

The salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience, ranging from $15,000-$17,000 for the season with additional  seasonal bonus eligibility.

Northeast Seattle Neighborhoods' History Exhibit at the Northeast Branch Library

The Northeast Branch (6801 35th Avenue NE) of The Seattle Public Library is featuring a display on neighborhood history all this month, in honor of Neighborhood Appreciation Day that took place last Saturday.

The exhibit features historic photos, maps and articles about the development of the Wedgwood, View Ridge, Laurelhurst, Meadowbrook and Ravenna neighborhoods.

The information about the exhibit also says: "Did you know that Northeast Seattle was once the home of a ghost town, a lumber mill, a college (not the University of Washington!), an airport, a railroad, a mosquito fleet, a saint, a dairy farm and the city's first p-patch?"

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Northeast Branch at 206-684-7539.