1. I’m a quick 12 minute drive (a little longer by Metro bus on the #25 route), to see Santa Claus in the window of the downtown Nordstrom store.
2. At an altitude of 28 feet above sea level, I rarely have to deal with the snow that blankets my relatives in Everett, Renton and Maple Valley.
3. I’m especially grateful that for the first time, I will have a grandchild at the dinner table on Christmas, who lives just a short drive from my Montlake home.
The holiday spirit of generous giving is everywhere in our neighborhood this year, At the December board meeting, our Treasurer, Connie Bain, reported that our fundraising drive has brought in more that $3500 so far, with donations coming from 66 Montlake neighbors. For those of you who still have the fundraising envelope we dropped at your front door last month, I hope you’ll make a donation to the Community Club. You can also donate online via Paypal when you are visiting our website at www.montlake.net. As our funds expand, it allows us to take on more projects. Much of what we do for the neighborhood is done with volunteer labor. But sometimes cold hard cash is needed to get the job done. Example: Our Snow Brigade is now ready to reach out and help snow-bound neighbors when the next snowstorm hits. But first we had to buy a phone line so we can take calls from those in need and dispatch “brigadiers” and their shovels.
Another sign of our neighborhood generosity: 34 volunteers stepped forward to sign up for the Snow Brigade. That great turnout has warmed the hearts of our co-chairs for this project, Kathy Laughman and Bryan Haworth.
Another generous gift to the neighborhood was reported to the Board by Montlake Community Center Advisory Council and Montlake Family Fitness. They have reached their fundraising goal, through grants and individual donations. As a result, the children’s playground renovation at the Community Center will be much bigger and better. In addition to the new playground equipment which has now been installed and was provided by the city’s Park Department levy, the funds raised by Montlake Family Fitness will provide an outdoor sports court for basketball and outdoor exercise equipment. 2014 will bring a new look to the park and expanded outdoor activities for young and old Montlake residents.
Thank you Montlake neighbors for your generous support! And a Happy New Year!
Submitted by Julee Neuhart, President
Montlake Community Club
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