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Chairman Dan Mullins opened the meeting at 7pm.
Duwamish cleanup
Cari Simson of www.duwamishcleanup.org
gave a 
video
presentation of the efforts ongoing with the "Superfund Site Fund"
work along the river. She told us this is one of the worst-polluted
rivers in the country, with at least 42 toxins identified, PCBs being
the biggest threat. Bottom fish should not be consumed and even salmon
(who travel) could be affected.
For meetings and workshops upcoming, go to the above website, download fliers below, or call 206.954.0218
Upcoming public meetings Dec. 7 & 9: Download Duwamish Superfund "Save the Dates" flier (PDF)
Upcoming workshops Nov. 8, 9, 15: Download Community workshops flier
Pigeon
Point neighborhood volunteer Pete Spalding gave a detailed account
of work ongoing at the Delridge Community centre and the surrounding grounds.
This is all part of the $70 million Parks Levy passed in 2008.
Our
neighbor Carolyn Stauffer (right), who is on the "Spray Park"
committee, is seeing that our best interests are served for this $250,000
addition to our own Highland Park. All
information on these levy projects can be found on the City
of Seattle website.
Ron Angeles (left) from Delridge Community Council (part of Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods) gave an account of how the City budget cuts will effect our neighborhood programs and the likelihood of Delridge and West Seattle soon being just one Council. On Nov 17th, they will be meeting with the Mayor to promote the future of neighborhood development and cooperation.
A summary of the activities of the Southwest District Council was available to members attending our meeting.
Business Spotlight is always thoughtfully researched and developed by Vice-Chair Nicolle Mazza. This month, Rick Jump from the White Center Food Bank gave us an in-depth look into their operations and needs leading into the holiday season.
They
also work very closely with the West Seattle Food Bank. Both have been
nearly overwhelmed with needy families recently. Contributions drop off
dramatically after Christmas, he said, but the need is just as great.
Rick told us that cash donations are the very best value, as being a Food Bank they can purchase at the lowest costs available. An exception is turkeys during the holiday season, which are sold below cost to consumers; therefore a frozen turkey is much appreciated as a gift.
It was gratifying to hear of the help they are receiving from all resources, even to a $60,000 grant to purchase a Mobile Food Delivery Service for the housebound. The Food Bank also now has "Edible Garden"' plots to show city people how to grow food. (Edible Garden crew, left.)
Rick was given a warm sendoff; we were all
very impressed and grateful that we have such wonderful giving people
in our midst. The White Center Food
Bank is located at 10829 8th Ave. SW. Seattle 98146.
Website: www.whitecenterfoodbank.org
or call 206.762.2848 for open hours and further information.
Please help.
Name Change for HPAC?
A discussion should now be ongoing: whether to give our organization
a more "neighborly" name. Many members feel HPAC (Highland
Park Action Committee) gives the impression we only meet to "take
action" — such as the recent jail opposition issue. We are
more than that— we represent a community of diverse
people coming together for the common good and the betterment of our
neighborhood.
Dina
Johnson (right) presented the case for changing the name, accompanied
by a handout with the definition of "committee," plus
questions about semantics and the psychology of encouraging participation.
At the full West Seattle meetings of the Neighborhood Council, HPAC is the only such named organization. All other neighborhoods have the title of Community, Council, Association, or Organization. So we soon must decide by a meeting vote of members present if we should change — and if so, to what name? Submit suggestions at the January meeting, to be voted on at that time.
A bylaw change would be necessary. Dina Johnson would make the edits in our printed materials and website.
Another invitation to contribute to
YOUR Highland Park website
Dina Johnson designs, writes, edits, & takes photos for this website.
She emphasizes more community participation is welcome (photos, announcements,
upcoming events etc.)
Dina and Nicole Mazza plan to make an event calendar part of the site
soon.
Contact Dina: dina@costumegoddess.com
Low Flying Aircraft
A
petition (left, designed by Dina Johnson of Digital
Genie) was distributed to take to our neighbors for signature.
The facts (researched by HP resident Rudy Vincena) that these aircraft are flying below the legal height, the chance of a mid-air collision, and the noise pollution are valid reasons our neighbors should support this petition.
When our members meet their neighbors under these circumstances, it will demonstrate our community concern.
Because of this, we have an excellent opportunity to leave them our official handout describing the Action Committee and Improvement Club, and invite them to our sociable Holiday Meeting in December (see below).
Announcements
•
Saturday, Nov. 6, 11 - 3pm: "Gathering of Neighbors"
at the newly remodeled Sealth High School; HPAC will have a table.
Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice will be keynote speaker.
•
Saturday, Nov.27, 11am - 4pm: Highland Park Holiday
Bazaar sponsored by our sister org Highland Park Improvement Club.
Handicraft vendor tables available for $20. Contact
silverbrace@gmail.com
•
Wednesday.
December 1: Holiday Meeting, 6:30 pm for the pot luck, 7:00
meeting. The Holiday Meeting will be an informal event mostly for
socializing, and for members to announce any candidacy for HPAC elected
offices.
The election for officers is in January.
•
Rhonda Smith, President of HP Improvement Club, told us
Sandra Anderson of Dreaming
Dane Catering , the Sept. Business Spotlight, is now conducting
cooking classes at the HPIC facility.
Details
Submitted 10.29.10 by HPAC
Secretary Mike Shilley
Photos by Dina Johnson