The Seattle Public Library will host a photo booth at the Emerald City Black Pride (ECBP) Family Reunion BBQ, an all-ages event complete with music, art, food, fun and more from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 30 at Alvin Larkins Park, 1504 34th Ave.
This event is free and open to the public. Tickets and registration are not required. This event is appropriate for all ages — children and their caregivers are welcome. Free food will be available courtesy of Angel City Deli.
ECBP will celebrate Seattle’s LGBTQ people of color with a focus on African-Americans. The ECBP Family Reunion BBQ will bring together elders, children, friends, family and allies to celebrate what pride means.
Attendees will hear from powerful community leaders like Luzviminda Lulu Carpenter, a community advocate, consultant, public speaker for social reform and member of the Seattle LGBTQ Commission; and Charhys Bailey, a poetry/spoken word artist, activist and community educator who works to prevent suicide with the city of Seattle’s Human Services department.
Performances will be given by J Mase III, a poet and founder of awQward, the first trans and queer people of color talent agency; Donte Johnson, a poet, community organizer, workshop coordinator and writing circle facilitator; and Regine Dynasty, drag performer and founder of Nubian Pride Productions.
The Library’s Black Diasporic Community Listening Project will host a photo booth with a dress up station. Attendees will have a chance to share what they love about the Library and what future offerings they’d like to see. The Library is also sponsoring one of the live performances.
This event is presented in partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Seattle, People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), Center for MultiCultural Health and Greater Seattle Business Association.
For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask A Librarian.

Bloodworks Northwest has issued an urgent appeal for donors after the community supply for Type O blood -the most common blood type among people in the Northwest – plunged by 37% since the beginning of July, and now stands at 1,000 units below normal operating levels.

The need for blood is continuous for patients having surgeries, trauma care, organ transplants and cancer treatment. About 45% of people in the Northwest have Type O blood.

Donors can schedule an appointment at any donor center by going online, or by calling 1-800-398-7888.

PARK(ing) Day 2017 is just around the corner – Friday, September 15th – and SDOT is now accepting applications for pop-up parks!  This day is an opportunity for anyone to create a mini park for fun and entertainment.  It’s also a chance to re-envision how we use our public space.

Anyone can create a park with fun activities like games, lounge chairs, food, exercises or almost anything you can imagine.  Check out their website to see official guidelines, inspiration, frequently asked questions, and to submit your FREE application.

*         Applications due August 18th, so don’t delay!

*         Community groups can also request up to $5,000 from the Neighborhood Matching Fund Small Sparks program (but the deadline to apply for financial support for PARK(ing) Day is Monday, August 7th)!  See their website or call 206-733-9916 to find out more.

*         And lastly, if your business or organization is interested in dipping your toe into Parklets and Streateries, PARK(ing) Day is the best day of the year to try it out.

We look forward to what your park has in store!

From Meghan at our sister site myballard

This is the last week the city will be accepting Seattle Youth Commission applications; the deadline is Monday, July 17 at 5pm.

The commission is made up of 15 Seattleites ages 13-19 that address issues of importance to youth, according to the city. The teens are appointed by the mayor and Seattle City Council, and work with elected officials, city staff, community leaders, and young people citywide to make positive changes in their communities through policy, organizing, and events.

The commissioners serve two-year terms, beginning in September 2017, ending June 19. The commission meets twice monthly, and each commissioner is required to attend a half-day retreat on Saturday, September 23.

To apply, visit www.seattle.gov/syc or complete this application and submit:

• Via email: seattleyouthcommission@seattle.gov
• Via postal mail: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, c/o Seattle Youth Commission, PO Box 94649, Seattle WA 98124-4649
• In person: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, located in City Hall, 600 4^thAvenue, 4^th floor

By Doree at our sister site Phinneywood.com

The Seattle Office of Planning and Community Developmenthas extended the public comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for three possible zoning changes needed to implement Mandatory Housing Affordability.

Those changes would apply to urban villages and other commercial and multifamily residential zones across the city.

The new deadline is Aug. 7.

You can provide feedback on the environmental study using this online form or by e-mailing MHA.EIS@Seattle.gov.

“Due to a high volume of requests, both online and at a recent public hearing, we are extending the written comment period on this environmental study an additional 15 days,” said OPCD Director Sam Assefa. “While there is broad agreement on the need for more affordable housing across Seattle, these documents are lengthy and complex, and we want to honor these requests for more time for public review.”

MHA helps ensure that as Seattle grows, development supports affordable housing for low-income families and individuals by either building rent-restricted homes on-site or making a payment to the Seattle Office of Housing fund for affordable housing. To implement MHA, the City would grant additional development capacity to allow for construction of more market-rate housing and commercial space.

The City Council has already enacted MHA in Downtown, South Lake Union, and the University District. This study evaluates implementing MHA in 27 other urban villages throughout the city.

MHA was a key recommendation of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA) Advisory Committee.

The North Transfer station in Wallingford will be closed to decrease traffic in the neighborhood from the 4th of July event at Gasworks park.  The South Transfer station will be open for customers from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The South station is in the South Park neighborhood at 130 S. Kenyon Street.

For more information about Transfer station hours, rates, and materials accepted, call (206)684-8400 or click here.

For information on where to dispose of household hazardous waste, including station locations and hours, click here,or call  (206) 296-4692.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities, here.

Supply dips sharply with schools out, donors on vacation.

Fireworks, hot dogs, parades, families, history, American heroes – these are the memories of every Fourth of July. This year, add blood donation! What better way to help your community than by helping fellow Americans depending on blood to survive?

“Donating blood takes only an hour of your time, and has the potential to save up to three lives,” notes James P. AuBuchon, MD, president and CEO of Bloodworks.

Summer is a challenging time for maintaining the local blood supply, with schools and colleges on break, and donors on vacation. “We’re already at the point where inventories of the most-needed blood types are nearing critical levels – meaning we have only a two or three day supply,” AuBuchon said.

All 12 Bloodworks donor centers will be open on Tuesday July 4th for whole blood donations and apheresis collections (platelet, plasma and double red cell). Donors can schedule an appointment at any Bloodworks donor center by going online at schedule.bloodworksnw.org or by calling 1-800-398-7888. People can also can check online at bloodworksnw.org to find dates and times of mobile drives close to where they live or work.

The need for blood is continuous throughout summer to support patients having surgeries, organ transplants and cancer treatment. It takes about 800 donors a day to maintain a sufficient supply for more than 90 hospitals served by Bloodworks in Washington, Oregon and Alaska.

“To avoid a summer crunch, we’re asking people who haven’t donated recently to celebrate the 4th by giving blood, or by scheduling an appointment during the next two weeks,” AuBuchon said.

There is a special need for O blood type, platelets, and AB plasma – but all donors are welcome.

Sponsored post by UW Medicine.

Despite our dreary climate, skin cancer in Washington is more common than you think

As Pacific Northwesterners, we know it rains all the time and sun is a rarity reserved for the summer months. But all those storm clouds don’t protect us from the possibility of skin cancer. Did you know Washington has more incidences of skin cancer than sunny states like California and Arizona?

Unfortunately, that increased risk includes melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer and the type likeliest to spread if it isn’t caught early. And melanoma is on the rise—not just in Washington, but throughout the country.

The good news? “We’re diagnosing people earlier,” said Dr. Michi Shinohara, a UW Medicine dermatologist who specializes in dermatologic oncology.

Melanomas can show up anywhere on your skin, even areas that aren’t commonly exposed to sun. They are often larger, asymmetrical, have uneven edges, or aren’t evenly pigmented.

“We call them ugly ducklings because they stand out,” Shinohara said. “If you have a mole or spot on your skin that looks different from the others, visit your doctor.”

People who are older or have a family history of skin cancer are at greater risk. UV therapy to treat skin conditions like psoriasis or skin lymphoma can also increase risk. If you’ve had skin cancer before, you’re more likely to get it again.

Melanoma is rarer, but serious. The most common forms of skin cancer—basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma—are generally slow growing and curable.

Skin cancer is “relatively easy to prevent,” Shinohara said. Her tips:

• Use sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Ultimately, though, any sunscreen is better than none. “The best sunscreen is the one you use,” Shinohara said.
• Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
• It takes about two tablespoons of sunscreen to sufficiently protect your entire body.
• Even better, wear dark-colored clothing that covers your skin and has a tighter weave. Don’t forget sunglasses!
• If you have very pale skin or burn easily, you’ll need to use more sunscreen and reapply more often.
• If your skin is darker, still wear sunscreen. More pigment in your skin does provide some sun protection, but no one is immune to skin cancer.
• Try to avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is most intense.
• Don’t pre-tan (or tan at all). It won’t protect your skin or lower your risk for skin cancer. Any kind of tanning permanently damages your skin.

Ultimately, the best course of action is to wear sunscreen whenever you spend time outside, even if it’s cloudy or cooler. Bring extra sunscreen with you if you’re traveling to a sunny place and store extra bottles in your car and at work.

“I’m not saying be vampires, but do be aware,” Shinohara said. “We can’t undo damage from sun.”

If you notice a new or changing spot on your skin, visit a UW Medicine primary care provider to get it checked out.

By Hilary U at our sister site Wedgwoodview

The City of Seattle is now accepting applications for the Seattle Youth Commission (SYC), a commission of 15 Seattleites ages 13-19 that address issues of importance to youth. Appointed by the Mayor and Seattle City Council, youth serving on this commission get a unique opportunity to work with elected officials, City staff, community leaders, and young people citywide to make positive changes in their communities through policy, organizing, and events. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 17 at 5:00 p.m.

Youth serving on the commission will be required to attend a half-day retreat on Saturday, September 23, bi-monthly SYC meetings, and additional committee commitments.  The commission meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at Seattle City Hall from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Commissioners serve a two-year term beginning in September 2017 and ending June 2019.

In addition to representing youth across the city, commissioners receive hands-on experience in the public sector and learn how to cultivate the youth voice in city policy.

To apply, click here or complete this application and submit:

Via email: seattleyouthcommission@seattle.gov
Via postal mail: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, c/o Seattle Youth Commission, PO Box 94649, Seattle WA 98124-4649
In person: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, located in City Hall, 600 4th Avenue, 4th floor

Interviews will be held on August 7 and 9 from 4 – 6 p.m.

By Doree at our sister site phinneywood.com

Early this morning, Woodland Park Zoo’s 8-year-old giraffe, Tufani, gave birth. The calf’s gender has not yet been determined. It will be examined for the first time tomorrow to identify gender, height and weight.

Mom and baby are currently off view in the barn to allow for nursing and bonding. After 72 hours, staff will turn on the giraffe cam. The calf is expected to start following its mom to the outside enclosure within a week or two.

The calf will be named later this summer.