Seattle-metro News and Events for Oct. 16 through November 2014

PHOTO: Local father-daughter writing team Charles and Elisheba Johnson discussed their character Emery Jones, Boy Science Wonder, in the book "Bending Time" at The Seattle Public Library, Lake City Branch. Charles Johnson won the National Book Award for this book, “Middle Passage,” in 1990. He is a winner of a MacArthur “Genius Grant,” a Guggenheim Fellowship and many other honors. Elisheba Johnson currently serves as executive and commissions liaison for the Office of Arts and Culture in Seattle. She writes "Curating a Life," a parenting blog, creates mixed media art and is the former owner and curator of Seattle’s Faire Gallery Café. "Bending Time" tells the story of Emery, a young African-American science wiz who has a fantastic adventure in time travel. He also learns how to respond to bullying at school. "Bending Time" is the first book in the planned series, "The Adventures of Emery Jones: Boy Science Wonder." Susan Fried photo

Seattle Parks celebrates a Week Without Violence Oct. 17-24

604,080 seconds. 10,080 minutes. 168 hours. Seven days. Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Youth Violence Prevention Team invite everyone between the ages of 12 and19 to participate in a Week Without Violence Oct. 17-24.

This week gives youth a chance to express their feelings about violence in their community and provides safe, fun recreation programs and activities.

The Week Without Violence will kick off on Friday Oct. 17 with a Rainier Beach teen swim from 7 to 9 p.m. Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool is located at 8825 Rainier Ave. S. Food will be provided and there will be informational booths for youth.

On Tuesday, Oct. 21, teens can enjoy the Skate for Peace event at Southgate Roller Rink from 5 to 7 p.m. The rink is located at 9646 17th Ave. SW, Seattle, 98106. The facility has a snack bar, but fruits and veggies will be available for free.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, teens will venture to the corn mazes at Carpinito Farms from 4 to 6 p.m. The farms are located at 1148 Central Ave. N, Kent 98032.

On Thursday, Oct. 23, there will be an awards dinner to honor teens who have demonstrated outstanding community service from 5 to 7 p.m. at Montlake Community Center. The community center is located at 1618 E Calhoun St. Seattle, 98112. Dinner will be provided.

On Friday, Oct. 24, teens are invited to Peace on the Beach at Alki Beach from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants will meet at the Alki Bathouse located at 2701 Alki Ave SW. There will be group discussions along with pizza and s’more making on the beach.

For more information about events, on how to sign up, or transportation contact Seattle Parks and Recreation Recreation Leader Laura Wilburn at 206-684-7422 or laura.wilburn@seattle.gov.

To learn more about the week and Seattle Parks teen programs visit www.seattle.gov/parks/teens.

Secure Your Id Day Coming To Tacoma

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington is teaming up with Wells Fargo to host Secure Your ID Day on Oct. 18, 9 a.m. – 1p.m. at the Tacoma Mall Parking Lot.

This identity theft prevention event features free on-site shredding and tips to protect your identity.

• Mobile shredding trucks will be on-site accepting up to three bags or boxes of unwanted documents per person. Please note that cardboard and three-ring binders cannot be accepted. 
• BBB staff will be available to answer questions about preventing identity theft and provide resources for victims. View BBB’s suggested Records Retention Schedule to see how long to keep personal information before shredding.
• Free child fingerprinting and photo ID cards by Safe Streets.
• Cell phone recycling by Verizon’s HopeLine,—which wipes data and allocates devices to victims of domestic abuse.

BBB advises consumers to educate themselves about online security. For more security tips and the latest alerts, visit BBB.org.

'Live Lines Reel Poetry: Seattle Public Library Slams!' at Central Library

The Seattle Public Library will host poetry slams for teens and adults in October at The Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave.

See below for a schedule of "Live Lines Reel Poetry: Seattle Public Library Slams!" events at the Central Library.

Grand Slam featuring breakdancing performance by Vicious Puppies Crew
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 in the Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium. For ages 13 and up. Winning teens and adults from the two qualifying slams on Oct. 3 and 10 will compete for the grand prize with three-minute performances of their own work. Grand Slam winners will be chosen by judges from Youth Speaks, Seattle Poetry Slam, Rain City Slam and Poet to the People. The audience will vote on a Wild Card winner.

For more information, call the Central Library at 206-386-4636.

Green Kent Day October 25: Kent among five cities celebrating restoration

Volunteers are invited to join the Green Kent Partnership (GKP) Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for a fun-filled morning of restoration work and community camaraderie in celebration of the third annual Green Kent Day, a celebration of the GKP’s work restoring over 1,300 acres of publicly owned forests and natural areas.

All are welcome and no experience is necessary for participation in restoration and planting projects. Volunteers are needed at both the Green River Natural Resources Area, located just north of 22306 Russell Rd., and at Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th.

A barbecue lunch at that site will be provided at noon to both volunteer groups, thanks to generous support from Farrington Court. Registration is required at www.kentwa.gov/ComeVolunteer.

Read more at www.forterra.org/greencities.

The Seattle Public Library Hosts 'Sharing Our Stories' Series 

Immerse yourself in the art and craft of storytelling this fall with performances, workshops and interactive audience participation at several locations of The Seattle Public Library. There's something for everyone to try out: traditional oral storytelling, radio scripts, personal storytelling, a documentary film, autobiographical comics and more.

The workshops are free and open to the public. Registration is not required for most events. Free parking is available at the branches.

See below for the workshop schedule and descriptions or visit the Sharing Our Stories page.

CHILDREN

Campfire Songs and Stories
Join local singer-songwriter Nancy Stewart for a fun-filled evening with a new twist on an old tradition! Sing songs, share stories and make your own s’mores. For all ages. 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980.

Teasin' Pleasin' Tales: Stories to Delight and Treasure
Debra Harris-Branham will tell animated and participatory folktales from around the world, with a special focus on African and African-American tales. For all ages. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.

TEENS

RadioActive: A two-day journalism workshop
Over a two-day period, teens will record and edit audio, write a script and record their voices in KUOW’s professional studios. Plan to attend both days. For ages 13 to 19. Registration is required; call 206-684-4063 to sign up.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the KUOW Studio, 4518 University Way NE, Suite 310.

Have Fun with Games and Puzzles at the Math Salon on Oct. 22 at the Greenwood Branch
Join Daniel Finkel for enticing games and puzzles that bring the world of math to life from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Greenwood Branch of The Seattle Public Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. This program is free and everyone is welcome. Free parking is available in the underground garage. Enter and exit the garage on 81st Street.
Finkel has a doctorate in math from the University of Washington and coordinates math circles, math salons and other activities that help make learning math fun for everyone. He is a regular contributor to the New York Times Numberplay Blog and teachers at the Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington. He also runs workshops for teachers. He is co-founder of Mathforlove.com. For more information, call the Greenwood Branch at 206-684-4086

'Invisible Young' Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Watch an award-winning documentary film about four young adults, all of whom lived on the Seattle streets as teenagers. After the film, stay for a panel discussion featuring director Steve Keller along with homeless and formerly-homeless youth. For teens and adults.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.

Your Mostly True, 100% Awesome Story: A Comics Workshop
Create a mini-comic based on your own true story with the help of local comic book artist, David Lasky. For ages 12 to 19.
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Lake City Branch, 12501 28th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7518.

ADULTS

Seattle Storytellers Guild
Join Cynthia Westby and the Seattle Storytellers Guild for a brief introduction to the art of storytelling, then listen to experienced storytellers or share your own story.
6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Northgate Branch, 10548 Fifth Ave. N.E., 206-386-1980.

Family History Storytelling
Every family has interesting stories. Learn how to tell them in this innovative workshop presented by Mahina Oshie, genealogy librarian.
6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Northeast Branch, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., 206-684-7539

Storytelling with Fresh Ground Stories
Join Paul Currington and Fresh Ground Stories for an afternoon celebrating true, first-person storytelling inspired by The Moth Radio Hour. The story theme will be: Lessons Learned.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063.
This program series is presented in partnership with KUOW, the Burke Museum, Seattle Storyteller’s Guild, Fresh Ground Stories and The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636, visit Sharing Our Stories or www.spl.org.

4th Annual Sound Living - A One Day Communiversity

A One Day Communiversity on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Everett Community College from 9 AM – 4 PM. This “Communiversity” is a day of learning for everyone. Attendees will be able to explore the connections between land, water and the people of Snohomish County with 19 presentation options during the day. Attendees will have a chance to select from sessions as diverse as “Orca Tribes of the Salish Sea” to “What is Biochar?”. All sessions are led by experts in their field who will share the latest information available. You don’t need to be a scientist to attend – the ‘communiversity’ is for everyone.

David Dilgard, History Specialist with Everett Public Libraries, presents the keynote session on Port Gardner and Beyond – A Place Across Centuries and Cultures. He will set the tone for Sound Living 2014 by delving into the growth and development of Snohomish County and the waters that adjoin it, from prehistory through the present. He will attempt to describe the ways in which the patterns of early settlement were shaped by the waters and waterways and how those natural patterns were subsequently shaped by settlement and development. In many cases the consequences of patterns that commenced long ago are very much with us today.

A sampling of the other topics that are being held throughout the day include:
Sharks of the Salish Sea
Underwater Photography as a Sound Environmental Tool
Ocean Acidification in Pacific Northwest Waters
Putting the Garden to Bed and Planning Ahead
Bald Eagle Ecology, Yesterday and Today
Sea Star Wasting Disease

Educational displays set up by local organizations and agencies will offer additional information about their work and Puget Sound.

Registration is $30 on/before Oct. 18. There is a reduced fee of $20 for students, teachers and military personnel. Walk-in registrations are available for an additional $5 above the pre-registration fee. Lunch is available for purchase upon registration, or you can bring your own. On-line registration closes on October 18, but registration, with cash or check, at the door is welcome.

For more information or to register, please contact the Sound Living Planning Team at sound.living@wsu.edu or (425)-357-6028, or check the website at
www.wsusoundliving.org

HealthFest Offers Health and Wellness Options for Individuals and their Families

The first ever HealthFest at Seattle Center offers a broad range of free information and services for individuals and their families to help them achieve healthier lives, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 – 26, in Seattle Center Armory.

The two-day resource fair welcomes the whole community to connect with local health, human, and social service providers – over 40 exhibitors and presenters in all. HealthFest offers free flu shots, health screenings and emergency preparedness tips. Participants may find help in navigating health insurance, collect valuable nutritional and fitness ideas, and join in discussions on health and wellness.

HealthFest highlights:
Group Visits, presented hourly on health topics like contraception, gastritis, skin care, back and neck pain and what the Affordable Healthcare Act means to individuals and families.
Seminars that empower individuals to develop more mindful eating patterns such as preparation of unfamiliar local winter vegetables, health impacts of processed foods, and tips on deciphering food labeling.
Free, professional one-on-one financial education and referrals to help people improve their financial stability and achieve their life goals.
Information about basic food programs, energy assistance and utility discounts, and free/low cost medical benefits in Seattle and King County.
Assistance with mental health resources, diagnosis, and support in the area.
Health screenings for hearing, cholesterol, glucose, weight, and blood pressure.
An Opportunity to register for Optimizing PTSD Treats, a clinical trial offering no-cost, state-of-the-art psychotherapy to all study participants.

HealthFest is presented in parallel with Seattle/King County Clinic with Remote Area Medical® offering a broad range of free medical, dental and vision clinic to anyone in need, Oct. 23 – 26, at KeyArena.

More information on HealthFest, as well as the Seattle/King County Clinic, is available at www.seattlecenter.org or by calling 206-684-7200.

Senior Services Training: Oct. 24 Improving Aging Services for LGBTQ Elders

Senior Services is offering a one-day training session, Improving Aging Services for LGBTQ Elders, based on the curriculum set by the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (NRC). The training is targeted toward social/community workers or others involved in social outreach and networking person who would like to improve their own engagement with the LGBTQ elder community. Anyone interested in the topic is welcome to participate.

Serving LGBTQ Elders
Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Senior Services, Lillian Rice Building, 2208 Second Avenue, Seattle
Cost (including lunch): $25
To register, send an email to trainingreg@seniorservices.org, (include dietary exclusions with registration)
Questions: Marxa Marnia, M.E.S., Staff Training and Development Coordinator, 206.268.6705, marxam@seniorservices.org

This eight-hour training will include education and implementation components relative to improving aging services for LGBTQ elders. Those in attendance will be guided through understanding some of the particular nuances around:

• The culture, needs, and concerns of LGBTQ older adults
• Identifying health disparities between LGBTQ older adults and those who are not LGBTQ
• Implementing practices for helping LGBTQ older adults to feel more included in aging network organizations
• Reviewing and changing your policies, practices, procedures, and forms to be more inclusive
• Practice using role playing and dialogue to support inclusion and address bias

Senior Services envisions a just society where aging adults and those who care about them can live their best lives. In our healthy community, empowered elders who need help will know where to find information, advice and support. Those who can will offer support and experience a greater sense of purpose as they connect with meaningful service opportunities. We are building programs that include and engage older people and those who love them in an interdependent community. A special responsibility for bringing this vision to reality is ours as the premier provider, promoter and champion for improving the lives of older adults.

Senior Services is the most comprehensive non-profit agency serving older adults and their loved ones in Washington State. Established in 1967, we promote positive aging for nearly 70,000 seniors and those who care for them in King County through our integrated system of quality programs and senior centers. More than 3,300 volunteers, together with 250 employees, make our work possible and efficient.

King County 8th graders invited to enter essay on legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The effort to earn the right to vote is the focus of the essay contest

The King County Civil Rights Commission invites all 8th grade students throughout the county to participate in the Commission's 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Writing Contest and present their ideas on Dr. King's legacy of peace and justice.

The Essay Contest is open to all 8th grade students in King County. Three essays will receive prizes. First, second, and third prize winners will win trophies and a commemorative Dr. King pin.

Participants must submit an essay that focuses on the theme of the County's 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, set to take place on Thursday, January 15, 2015 in downtown Seattle. This year's theme is:

"So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind — it is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, observing the laws I have helped to enact — I can only submit to the edict of others."

The rules for the Essay Contest are:

• The essay must be between 750 and 1,000 words and must be typed and doubled spaced on white 8.5" by 11" paper.
• Contestants must submit one typed original essay and one copy of the essay, by mail.
• The name, address, home phone number, email address, school, grade, and age of student author must be submitted on a cover page accompanying the essay. Do not place your name on any other page.
• All essays must be in English and include a bibliography, utilizing at minimum one book source, but no more than one website source.

All essays will be judged on the author's knowledge of Dr. King and his work in the Civil Rights Movement, originality of ideas, development of point of view, insight into the essay theme, and clarity of expression, organization, and grammar. All essays submitted become the property of the Commission and will be displayed on County web pages, in County publications, in local publications, and in the King County Tunnel. Submitted essays will not be returned.

Deadline:
All essays must be postmarked by Friday, November 7, 2014 and mailed to: King County Civil Rights Commission, 401 Fifth Ave., Suite 135, Seattle, WA 98104. Essays postmarked after that date will not considered, nor returned.

Notification of Winners:
Winners will be notified by mail.

For more information on the King County Civil Rights Commission's 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, please contact Paula Harris-White, Department of Executive Services Equity and Social Justice Manager, at 206-263-2444.

The Seattle Public Library Presents Richard Blanco's New Memoir Nov. 10

The 2014 Seattle Reads author Richard Blanco will read from his new, full-length memoir about growing up in Miami as the gay son of Cuban immigrants from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at the Broadway Performance Hall of Seattle Central College, 1625 Broadway Seattle, 98122. (206-934-3052.)

In Blanco's memoir, "The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood," he explores his coming-of-age in a Cuban immigrant family and his attempts to understand his place in America while grappling with his burgeoning artistic and sexual identities.

Blanco was born in Madrid in 1968 and immigrated as an infant with his Cuban-exile family to the United States. He was raised and educated in Miami, earning a B.S. in civil engineering and a M.F.A. in creative writing from Florida International University. Blanco is practicing civil engineer, writer and poet, and teacher. His book "For All of Us, One Today: An Inaugural Poet’s Journey" was the featured work for the Library’s 2014 Seattle Reads series.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Parking is available in nearby commercial lots and on the street.
For more information, call the Library at 206-386-4636 or Ask A Librarian.

Find more news and events in Portland and Seattle on The Skanner News Community Calendar