The title of this week’s post looks like a reference to, ‘The Spirit of the Escalator’. Actually, it is bird-related. More at:
Have a great day on Union Bay…where nature lives in the city and Black Birders are welcome!
Larry
L’esprit de ‘escalier
It’s beginning to look a lot like MONTLAKE
We have awesome Montlake hoodies, hats, and T-shirts in a range of colors, designs, and sizes available for the holidays. We also have GAITERS ($5 each) which can keep your neck and warm during the chilly months ahead.
Make sure to buy one for you and all your favorite elves. Easy pick-up or possible delivery options. Sales of Montlake Gear benefit the all volunteer-led Montlake Community Club. The MCC are the folks who host the Montlake Turkey Trot, sponsor the beautiful winter lights in our business district, publish the Montlake Flyer, and more. Click the link below to shop then contact us at treasurer@Montlake.net or text Matt at (312) 515-5070 to get your gear!
Tot Lot – Montlake
Hello All,
Thank you for your responses to the survey. There were over 150. This spot is very popular! We heard that the Treetop and Explore plans were the most desired. In addition to voting, there were constructive comments. We also met with Arboretum staff and incorporated their ideas.
I have attached the PowerPoint that shows the analysis of the work. One thing that you can’t see is that there another slide, wide enough for two people. Also, note how the playground equipment blends into the trees in the shot from the street.
We heard that you wanted more subdued colors and more natural materials. Unfortunately, we can’t use wood: we have had a lot of trouble with termites and have replaced structures in other parks.
However, we have reduced the amount of plastic and increased metal pieces. This is a little more expensive, so we also changed the artificial grass safety surfacing to engineered wood fiber (wood chips). That also has a more natural feel.
The plan also includes a wider path on the left as you enter. This will help prevent maintenance vehicles from driving on the grass and make for a more comfortable walking and biking space. We will be moving the trash cans so that they aren’t next to the bench and adding a bike rack.
Seattle Parks will build the new play area in the early spring. We are using in-house staff. That allowed us to put more money into construction, but COVID-19 has reduced the number of people working, hence the schedule impact.
A charming comment: “We live across the street and spend a lot of time with our kids there. It is the de facto spot in the neighborhood to meet other kids/families and has been an important community builder, so thanks for giving this time and thought.”
Thanks to everyone and stay safe,
Pam
Virtual Turkey Trot a Success!
The 2020 Montlake Turkey Trot is in the books and once again, the community did not disappoint! Despite having only 390 virtual race participants, down from 1,500 in 2019, we still managed to raise ~$23,000 for the University District Food Bank! This is short of last year’s total of $39,000, but thanks to a large increase in extra donations, the amount raised per participant is far greater than 2019. For the first time ever, we hit our $10,000 donation goal! This was made possible for racers donating on top of their race fees as well as ~35 additional folks that just donated without signing up for the run. Thank you so much for your generosity. And it’s not too late to add more if you are feeling inclined. The donation link will stay live through Monday.
If you participated in the race, please upload your results and photos. Not many have shared yet, but it has been fun to see those that have. A Montlake family that is currently living abroad even posted their Turkey Trot photos! So fun!!
Last, but certainly not least, we are very grateful to our sponsors. New Turkey Trot sponsors include our only Signature Sponsor, Windermere Real Estate Midtown as well as Premium Sponsors Mangum Fitness, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, and Diane Terry. Burb’s Burgers sponsored at the Turkey Trotter level and was generous enough to give all participants free French fries with purchase! If you haven’t tried Burb’s yet- don’t delay! Favorites include delicious clam chowder, classic burgers, and a chicken sandwich that hits the spot. They are located in the Southwest corner of the old Montlake Market parking lot next to the holiday tree lot. Returning sponsors include Premium sponsor Graham Construction and Turkey Trotter Homelight. Glam and Tonics and Cafe Lago, continued their 5 years of support by donating products and services. Unfortunately, in our virtual format we were unable to make use of these donations, but we are so grateful for their continued and generous support. Please patronize these local businesses, they are struggling and need the community more than ever!
We hope the rest of 2020 brings you good health and that you find creative ways to enjoy whatever holiday traditions you celebrate. Most of all, we hope to see each and every one of you in person next year at the 2021 Montlake Turkey Trot!
Glam & Tonics needs your support more than ever!
WE HAVE SEVERAL SPECIAL OFFERS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING EASY, ECONOMICAL, AND BEAUTIFUL!
-All AVEDA pre-boxed Gift Sets will be 20% OFF!-Make your own Ornament Gift-Gift cards will be available for purchase-Complimentary gift boxes, tissue, and ribbon-Gifts under $20 -Kids Gift Sets that includes Cherry Almond Shampoo, Conditioner, and a Mini Paddle Brush-Rosemary Mint Gift Sets-Shampure Gift Sets -Cherry Almond Gift Sets-Shampure Candle-Rosemary Mint Candle -Hand Relief Gift Sets -AVEDA’s Signature TEA
We have a few last-minute appointments available! Whether a fresh cut, color, or just a blowout, we’ll do our best to squeeze you in.
THANKSGIVING WEEK HOLIDAY HOURS
Monday 9am to 7pmTuesday 9am to 7pmWednesday 9am to 7pm Thursday CLOSEDFriday CLOSEDSaturday 9am to 3pm
Thank you for all your amazing support,
The Glam & Tonics Team.
#ShopSmallBusiness #ShopSmallSaturday #AVEDA #Gifts #Holiday #SmellsLikeAVEDA #SeattleSmallBusiness #Seattle
Video Q&A with Brooks Beast runner David Ribich, and an opportunity for a free pair of Brooks Running Shoes!
We are excited to announce that our race director, Tyler Mangum, will be hosting a video Q&A with professional Brooks Beast Runner (and 4×1 mile indoor world record holder) David Ribich on Wednesday 11/18 at 7:00 pm PST and invite you to attend! During the talk, one lucky attendee will be given a FREE pair of Brooks Running shoes of their choice*!
This Q&A will be fun for all ages and ranges of runners!
In addition, all attendees that haven’t yet signed up for the 2020 Montlake Turkey Trot will receive $5 off their race entry fee. 100% of net proceeds from this virtual event go directly to the University District Food Bank! There is no cost to attend the video event, but donations to UDFB are encouraged.
Invites are LIMITED – please only request one if you are confident you can attend. Please message Tyler Mangum, tmangum89@gmail.com for the calendar invite.
*Rules and restrictions may apply – details to be emailed to all attendees.
Rules: All attendees for the Q&A will be given an assigned number with their meeting invite – limit 1 number/invite per household. During the event, one number will be selected based on a random number generator and the person assigned that number given 1 pair of Brooks Running Shoes Trainers (Racing Flats and Spikes excluded); total donation to the foodbank and race registration is not required. The selected person must be present when announced during the talk. If the selected person is not present then the next random number will be chosen. This will continue until a recipient has claimed the shoes during the time of the event. The person selected must live within the United States.
Last call for Turkey Trot sign-up before price increase!
The early bird rate for the 2020 Montlake Turkey Trot ends at midnight on Thursday November 12th. Be sure to register NOW to get the lowest registration rates!
The 5th Annual Montlake Turkey Trot has gone virtual with 100% of the fun and community benefits. A primary goal of the Montlake Turkey Trot is to raise money for the University District Food Bank (UDFB). The impacts of COVID-19 have hit those farthest from opportunity the hardest and the UDFB has seen an increase in demand as more people face food insecurity. We are proud to partner with the UDFB and will donate 100% of all net proceeds from the Montlake Turkey Trot to them.
Registration includes a race bib, finisher medal, and a neck buff that features the Montlake Bridge. Swag will be shipped/delivered directly to your home prior to Thanksgiving day. Want to participate but don’t want the swag? You can still sign up and opt out of the swag for a lower cost. In just the last week, we raised enough from sponsors to cover the cost of all swag and shipping so no matter what you choose, your registration dollars will be supporting a great cause! Thanks again to all our cash sponsors: Windermere Real Estate Midtown, Graham Construction, Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Mangum Fitness, and Diane Terry.
So join the fun by registering today! And don’t forget to supersize your support to the UDFB by making an additional donation right after you register! And we still have opportunities for volunteers and sponsors.
Anxious about the election?
So are we! We invite you to take a quick break and make a plan to join the 2020 Montlake Turkey Trot.
The 5th Annual Montlake Turkey Trot has gone virtual with 100% of the fun and community benefits. A primary goal of the Montlake Turkey Trot is to raise money for the University District Food Bank. The impacts of COVID-19 have hit those farthest from opportunity the hardest and the UDFD has seen an increase in demand as more people face food insecurity. We are proud to partner with the UDFB and will donate 100% of all net proceeds from the Montlake Turkey Trot to the University District Food Bank.
So join the fun by registering today!
We are looking for more sponsors as well as volunteers to help with social media promotion and mailing swag. Please reach out to turkeytrot@montlake.net if you are interested. Deadline to have your logo on the race bibs is Friday, Nov 6th. Sponsors can donate cash or donations in kind and will get featured in all online promotions as well as have an ad on Montlake.net.
Montlake Trick or Treating
Happy Halloween! Some Montlake families have figured out a safe trick or treat plan. If you would like to give out candy, the first step is to read the instructions at the link below, then sign up on the map.
All parents are asked to make sure that kids understand the rules this year.
Steps to Participate:
- Print this sign and read the instructions…or pick up a copy at 1811 E Calhoun St (in a box on the front porch).
- Sign Up to be added to the Montlake Halloween Map: https://forms.gle/BXFAvMx8Nf3iG1BG9
- Montlake Halloween Map – https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1m_i4ueLpWFp–Htt7i74K60R0q7XjvrZ&usp=sharing
From WSDOT: Nov. 4 online meeting
Join our November online construction meeting
Another Montlake Project construction meeting is just around the corner. Join us Wednesday, Nov. 4, to learn more about what you can expect in Montlake and along SR 520.
When: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
Register: http://bit.ly/SR520_Nov4_Meeting
Crews improve signage in mid-October along East Lake Washington Boulevard in Montlake.
Upcoming construction work in Montlake
Stay up to date on construction activities and effects to travelers. Here’s a highlight of what you can expect in the days and weeks to come:
- Oct. 23: Single-lane closure with flagged through-traffic on Roanoke Street, along with a pedestrian detour
- Oct. 26 – Nov. 6: Closure of East North Street east of Montlake Boulevard
- Nov. 3 and Nov. 5: Early-morning closures of East Lake Washington Boulevard on-ramp to eastbound SR 520
- Sept. 21 – Nov. 27: Brief, temporary closures of SR 520 Trail over Lake Washington
Crews prepare the work area for construction of the south support wall for a Montlake freeway lid in this Oct. 14 photo.
As always, construction schedules are dynamic and subject to change. Always check the Construction Corner map for the latest updates.
New Fritz Hedges Waterway Park open on Portage Bay!
We’re excited to say that last week Seattle Parks and Recreation opened Fritz Hedges Waterway Park, a new community resource on Portage Bay, funded as part of SR 520’s construction mitigation efforts. The new park features a pier, kayak launch, a small beach, open lawn space, picnic areas, and more. The project also included extensive shoreline restoration and enhancement to support native species, such as juvenile salmon. Interpretive elements will be added later this year that include information about the use of the Portage Bay Trail by Native Americans and more recent maritime history.
The new Fritz Hedges Waterway Park on Portage Bay.
The SR 520 Program provided funds to the University of Washington to help transfer the property to Seattle Parks and Recreation as part of mitigation for SR 520 construction impacts to the Washington Park Arboretum and East Montlake Park. We also provided funds for construction of the park.
You can learn more in the Fritz Hedges Waterway Park opening announcement, published by Seattle Parks and Recreation. We hope you’re able to enjoy this great new community open space!
How to reach us and stay informed about SR 520 construction:
- Call the 24-hour construction hotline (206-775-8885) with pressing Montlake Project questions or concerns.
- Call the SR 520 Program information line (206-770-3554, M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) with general SR 520 inquiries.
- Email SR 520 staff with your questions about the project or construction activities.
- Visit the SR 520 Construction Corner for the most up-to-date information on closures and construction impacts.
- Visit the SR 520 Program website to find general information about the project..
- Stop by in-person at the Montlake Project Information Center (2209 E. North St.). (Please note: The Information Center is currently closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak)
- Follow us on Twitter @wsdot_520 to get key news and updates about the SR 520 program.
- View current Montlake Project construction photos, taken continuously day and night, by mounted construction cameras
