Results tagged “neighbors” from Belltowner

Flickr User Versea snapped a photo of a memo in a Belltown apartment building that was posted after a painting previously hung in the apartment hall went missing.

It reads:

"Do you wonder what happened to the painting on the 4th floor by the elevator? It was removed. Apparently, someone didn't care for it.

"I consider Winston our Mascot"
"Winston puts a smile on my face when I leave the elevator."
"Winston makes me happy"
"I like Winston. He welcomes me home."
"I like Winston's bright eyes."
"I like Winston. The 4th floor is his home. He belongs with us."
"I miss Winston. I feel sad that he's gone."

The photographer who snapped the shot of the memo, appropriately entitled the photo, "I think somebody needs a real dog."

This may very well be a big step in the right direction towards coming together to solve our safety concerns. Tonight (Tuesday August 5) is Belltown's Night Out event. The purpose of this free event is to foster a viable social and safety network among Belltown neighbors.

There are several blocks that are participating including Regrade Off-Leash area at 3rd & Bell (commonly known as the Belltown Dog Park). Starbucks will provide refreshments, and watermelon is being donated for human consumption and dog biscuits for the canines. Glow-sticks will be distributed to attendees for wearing on limbs, leashes, and collars -- creating a visual spectacle as the participants "Take a Chomp out of Crime". The timing there is from 8-11pm. Other participating blocks involved are all on Vine Street, from 1st Ave on down to Elliott.

A 1/2 block of Vine Street (from Post Alley to Western) will be closed to traffic from 7-10pm. There will be a canopy tent at the Beckoning Cistern (right in front of 81 Vine)...that is where neighbors and safety officials can gather and meet, and where the prizes, give-aways, entertainment, informational materials, and refreshments will be concentrated. Attendees can start from there and go to the P-Patch and Cottage Park for tours of the gardens from 7-9pm. Generally speaking, the festivities will be ongoing rather than programmed (potluck, raffle, live music, visits by public safety officials, group walks, etc.).

Sponsors, underwriters, and donors so far include: Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods "Small Sparks" grant (will match up to $250 in donated supplies, volunteer labor, and cash contributions); the Belltown Business Association ($250 cash donation), El Gaucho (3 - $100 gift certificates); Cherry Street Coffeehouse (on-site coffee and pastries, etc.); Bellino's Coffee ($50 gift certificate); Exofficio Travel Clothing (4-gift bags, valued at over $300); Platinum Co. (auto detailing, valued at $400); Lava Lounge (merchandise, $15 value); Belltown Feed & Seed ($10 gift certificate); Mama's Mexican Kitchen ($30 gift certificate); The Home Office (printing of flyers and posters, etc.); Casuelita's Caribbean Café (food platter, $50 gift certificate), Mars Hill Church (canopy tents); 81 Vine Homeowners Association (stage platform); and the Sunset House Tenants (volunteer labor, tables & chairs). The Millionaire Club is supplying bottled water.

Additional assistance is welcomed, and you are asked to spread the word to patrons, friends, and neighbors. Click here for more information.

59 year old Vester Marshall has quite an impressive story behind him which is told today in the Seattle P-I. Vester was once a Seattle Sonics player who later battled a 10 year drug addiction, eventually leading him to jail time. Now 17 years sober, he is a street minister, herbalist, yoga instructor and artist living in Belltown. That's quite the resume.

"He's lived in this second-floor unit for two decades. He's been arrested at this address, kicked drug addiction and overcome countless demons inside these walls." reads the article about his L-shaped apartment overlooking 1st avenue.

These days, Marshall is only into healthy stuff and shies from controversy. He has practiced yoga for a dozen years, recently becoming a teacher and conducting weekly classes at Samarya Yoga Center on First and Yesler.

Click here to read the rest of the article on this highly interesting neighbor of ours.

Belltown's monthly community council meeting was held on Wednesday May 27th where Belltowners gathered to discuss neighborhood concerns. Captain Steve Brown of Seattle Police Dept. was there as well to discuss public safety.

Due to a previous commitment I wasn't able to attend, however I'd be interested to know how the "Crackeads" situation was addressed. Was anyone at the meeting that would like to share their experience?

Community Council meetings are held every month. The next meeting will take place on June 24. For more information on the Belltown Community Council meetings go here.

I wish I could find the neighbor who dumped their box spring in our alley, and explain to them that every time I enter my parking garage, instead of feeling like I live in nice condo in Belltown I am transported to the Harlem projects.