Chili Cook Off Yummy Success

Posted on October 3, 2021 by Ryan

The first-ever Victory Heights’ Chili Cook Off held on Sunday afternoon was a big success with seven chefs (plus one late scratch due to water issues) and 60 attendees.

Residents began to trickle out of their houses after a Seahawks victory to a gray but dry day (after a rainy morning) to sample both vegan and meat chilis created by our neighborhood chefs. Tables were set up along 19th Avenue NE across from Victory Heights Park with extension cords keeping crock pots full of chili warm, plus tortilla chips and tiny corn bread treats.

Ballots were available to vote for your favorite and the winner was…

…Andrew’s Chili McChiliface. Having sampled six of the seven chilis I can attest they are all winners, and we greatly appreciate the effort all our cooks put in, and all the folks who came out to partake of this perfect autumn treat. Rematch in 2022!

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Light Rail Extension To Northgate Opens

Posted on October 2, 2021 by Ryan

On October 2nd at 4:51 AM, the first light rail train with passengers left the Northgate Link Light Rail station heading south to two new stations, downtown, the airport and to Angle Lake. At 10 AM, politicians, Sound Transit officials, and other stakeholders officially opened the John Lewis Memorial bike/pedestrian bridge connecting the station with North Seattle College.

Seattle Mayor Durkan speaks at the
dedication of the new John Lewis
Pedestrian Bridge
District 5 representative Debora Juarez
State Representative Gerry Pollet
John Lewis Bridge Ribbon Cutting

At the new University District Station, Seattle Mayor Durkan was joined by King County Executive Dow Constantine, who also addressed crowds on Saturday.

King County Executive Dow Constantine
Mayor Durkan addresses the crowd at the UW Station

In addition to the new Light Rail station, there are many changes to bus service around Victory Heights including the new route 20 and 320 that run along Northgate Way and continue to Lake City, and the 322 which runs along Lake City Way replacing the 312 and the stops the 522 made during the pandemic (it now only stops in Lake City and at the Growler Guys at 20th Avenue NE).

More photos…

A group called Seattle Subway displayed a VERY ambitious map showing proposed light rail lines throughout the city including service on Northgate Way. Note: Very few of these lines will actually happen.
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Victory Heights Chili Cookoff Sunday at 4 PM

Posted on October 2, 2021 by Ryan
Join us Sunday, October 3rd after the Seahawks/Mariner games for Victory Heights’ first ever Chili Contest! It will be held from 4 PM – 6 PM next to Victory Heights Park. Sample our meat and meatless chilis prepared by our chefs and be prepared to declare a victor in both categories. Bring your own bowl and please wear a mask.
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Northgate Link Light Rail Service Begins Saturday

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Ryan

After many, many years, at long last the extension of Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail reaches North Seattle as the Northgate Link Light Rail station begins service at 4:40 AM Saturday, October 2nd.

If getting up at that hour to be on the first train doesn’t make you excited, then at 10 AM on Saturday will be the official dedication of the pedestrian/bike John Lewis Memorial Bridge that crosses from the station across I-5 to North Seattle College.

Also beginning October 2nd will be a completely revamped bus system around Victory Heights aimed at getting riders to the new Light Rail Stations (either Northgate, Roosevelt, U District, or Husky Stadium) rather than direct service downtown. Read about all the revisions, new lines, and routes here.

From the SDOT Press Release:

What to expect
We will be hosting a series of speakers at the west end of the bridge starting at 10 AM, followed by a ribbon cutting and community-led walk, roll, and bike ride towards Sound Transit’s new Link light rail station. With Link light rail service also beginning at the Northgate Station on October 2, we encourage you to try out the new transit options.

We hope you’ll join us to recognize all those who have made this project possible!

Details

Saturday, October 2 
10 AM to noon
On the west side of the John Lewis Memorial Bridge, in the North Lot of North Seattle College (click here for directions)

HOW TO STAY SAFE & ENJOY THE EVENT – COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
We are following public health requirements for COVID-19, including having all City staff wearing masks at the event. According to the Governor’s current mandate, guests must wear masks at all outdoor events regardless of vaccination status. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing throughout the event to keep everyone safe, healthy, and comfortable. Thank you.

Getting there

Walking, biking, or using public transportation is strongly recommended. Sound Transit’s Link light rail begins operating on October 2. You can learn more about Sound Transit’s newest stations by visiting northgatelink.com. Metro routes also serve this location, and you can plan your trip by visiting tripplanner.kingcounty.gov. Parking will be available in the North Lot at North Seattle College.We hope to see you there!

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The Seattle Northeast Tool Library Has Thousand Of Tools Ready To Be Loaned

Posted on September 27, 2021 by Ryan

At the September meeting of the Victory Heights Community Council, we heard from Shannon Roberts and Josh Epstein, of the NE Tool Library, located at 10228 Fischer Place NE, just east of Lake City Way in lower Victory Heights.

Read the complete minutes of the September meeting.

Josh told us a brief history of the tool library, which had been located near Dahl Playfield in Wedgwood, but moved to the site of the former Lavilla Dairy on Fischer Place in November 2018. As an all-volunteer organization, hours are Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and all day Saturday. You can peruse their vast catalog of stuff online at https://neseattletoollibrary.org/ . You just need to join (donations are voluntary), and like a regular library, you can “check out” their items. They also host events like Fixers Night, Tool Sharpening, an annual Tool Sale, and Cider Press. There is also a bike shack for doing repairs, a seed library, and catering supplies. “Come visit, we’d love to show you around the space,” said Josh.

In other Victory Heights news, we have started 30 new online interest groups including board games, wine and cheese, golf, and a book club. It’s all done over email, to get a list of all the groups, write: victoryheights.seattle@gmail.com.

The Chili Cookoff is coming this Sunday, October 3rd from 4-6 PM (you don’t even need to miss the Seahawks game). It will be near Victory Heights Park and feature our volunteer chefs who will be competing in two categories: meat and meatless. We’ll have electricity to keep things warm, and possibly some spoons and bowls, but maybe bring your own just in case, and be prepared to help us crown a winner (there will be trophies).

Our next (virtual) meeting will be Tuesday, October 19th at 7 PM. And be sure to join our Facebook group to keep up date on all activities.

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Victory Heights Chili Cook Off October 3rd

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Ryan

The weather is turning; it’s time for CHILI!  Put your culinary skills to the test in Victory Heights’ first ever “Chili Cook Off“.  Start perfecting those recipes; this event is two weeks away!

Details:

– Sunday, Oct 3rd
– 4pm to 6pm
– Contestants will set up near the Victory Heights park. We will find cooks a spot in the right-of-way. (Electricity will be provided to keep your culinary masterpieces hot and tasty!)
– A winner will be selected from each of the two categories (with meat and meatless)
– DEADLINE to sign up is FRIDAY, SEP 24th!  More details here…  https://signup.com/go/oXUOLHg
– The public will vote for the winner in each category.  Prizes awarded!

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“Double-Trouble” Event on Sept. 18th Is A Win-Win

Posted on September 12, 2021 by Ryan

Ever wonder what’s in that metal, tan-colored box by the tennis courts?  Find out when Seattle’s Emergency Communication Hubs respond to imaginary earthquakes using the gear that’s in that box. 

“Double Trouble”, our upcoming exercise, is on:

Saturday, Sep 18

9am to 1pm

Maple Leaf Reservoir Park / Playground (not in Victory Heights Park)

            Hub Volunteers need YOU to make this exercise successful.  They need practice responding to the overwhelming requests for help that are likely after the “big one” hits.  Everyone benefits from these drills.  Volunteers get better at supporting their communities, the public learns what the Hubs can and cannot do, and the overall system gets stronger.  Win Win Win. 

            What is an “Emergency Communication Hub”?  It is a practical solution that takes advantage of a well-known phenomenon.  Humans are social creatures; they instinctively gather after a large disaster to figure out what to do.  Whether formally identified or not, every community has a natural gathering spot.  It’s usually a green space, a parking lot, or a wide street.  Somewhere open to the sky.  We call these spaces “Hubs”.  Groups of volunteers all over Seattle are familiar with the natural gathering spots in their neighborhoods and have agreed to “activate” when normal communications are down (no cell phone signals and no internet) to help their communities.  These groups of neighbors become their communities’ Emergency Communication Hub.  Seattle currently has sixty-six active Hubs.  They have a system to collect and post information from authorities and help their neighbors meet basic needs.  In the more developed sites, like Victory Heights, neighbors have pre-positioned supplies and equipment to help with this organizing effort.  These supplies will be used and the processes will be tested during this exercise in September.  

            PLEASE DON’T MISS THIS DRILL!  Many Victory Heights neighbors have participated in emergency drills in the past but this event will be a great refresher and/or training session.  We don’t practice enough to be skilled responders – and it will be fun!

            Show up for either, or both, imaginary earthquake events.  Saturday, Sep 18th, from 9am to 1pm we’ll be on the north side of town – at the Maple Leaf Playground.  Saturday, Sep 25th, from 9am to 1pm we’ll be on the south side of town – Jefferson Park.  Getting involved is easy.  More information can be found on the website at www.SeattleEmergencyHubs.org or by contacting Ann Forrest @ NorthSeattleHubs@gmail.com.

            Parking is available at:

  1. St. Catherine of Siena Church (814 NE 85th Street)
  2. The Fairview Church (844 NE 78th Street)
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Learn about “Community Connections” this Friday, Sep 10th at 1pm in Victory Heights Park

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Ryan

Our need for connection is greater than ever.  Whether we’re struggling through this crazy pandemic, working together to prevent crime, or coping with natural disasters.  We are social creatures by nature.  Connection is not only crucial to surviving tough times but it’s also the key to long term well-being.  Neighbors helping neighbors.  Practice, and model, being a good neighbor by connecting with those around you. 

We ask ALL neighbors to reach out during difficult times (heat wave, wildfire smoke, power outages, snow storms, etc.) and check on those living near you.  A knock on the door or a quick phone call – just to ensure that everyone is doing okay.  There are folks around you that might need a bit more support – older adults or those with access or functional needs.  Please be certain to reach out to them.  Introduce yourself and give them your contact information.  When you do, please let them know that we also have folks in the community that care and can help if you aren’t available.  We attached a flyer to this message that you could print and give out to neighbors who you believe might appreciate knowing about another neighborhood resource.

This neighborhood resource is called “Community Connections”.  For now, we’re collecting phone numbers of folks in the Victory Heights community that might need a little extra support during difficult times.  Maybe they need help finding a booster vaccine or assembling a makeshift air filter.  Maybe they need the walkway to their car shoveled or information about warming centers during an extended power outage.  Whatever the need, we urge neighbors to look after one another and use their “Community Connections” as a secondary resource.  Coordinators for Community Connections will reach out to folks with a quick phone call – just a check-in during trying situations – to make sure all is well. 

To learn more about the program, please come chat with us  this Friday, September 10th, at 1pm in the tennis court.  We’ll have tables and chairs spaced out in the tennis court so you can bring lunch if you want – or partake of the yummy food trucks before they close up for the season. 

If you can’t make it on Friday but want to know more about the program, please call the Victory Heights Community Council at (804) 557-4273.  The call will go straight to voicemail and you will hear Ben Cober’s voice (VHCC President).  Leave your name and phone number and Louise (a VH neighbor and co-coordinator) will call you back to answer any questions you might have.

Hope to see you soon, Neighbor!

Ann and Louise

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Teen Feed On Saturday, September 4th

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Ryan

Congratulations, Victory Heights!  We celebrated our first year feeding homeless teens!

Please support us as we enter our second year!  We can’t do it without your help! 

We’re committed to providing one meal a month to TeenFeed – a non-profit that offers support to homeless youth.  Founded in 1987, operations shifted with the emergence of COVID but TeenFeed remains a low-barrier organization that provides a hot meal, as well as many other services, to ~80 homeless youth every day of the year.  

Choose a dish to make for Saturday, September 4th from the menu here…

  • More details provided on the SignUp…
  • Food can be store bought or homemade – no pressure to be a Chef Boyardee! 
  • We just need it delivered warm (if it’s a hot dish) to 2005 NE 105th St (Amber/Jerry’s house) at 5 PM so the food can be driven down to the University District for distribution.

Menu for September:

  • Teriyaki chicken
  • Teriyaki tofu
  • Sesame noodle salad
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Fresh fruit

This is a great opportunity to come together as a community and support those less fortunate.  Please reach out with additional questions.  If you can’t help this month but would like to be contacted in the future, please contact us at VH.TeenFeed@gmail.com to be added to our list of Community Cooks!

Regards, 

Ann Forrest & Amber Benson

Co-Coordinators

FYI…  Family crisis is the most prevalent reason youth and young adults identify for becoming homeless.

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Three More Shots At Food Truck Friday

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Ryan

Victory Heights’ Food Truck Friday has three more weeks left this year: August 27th, September 3rd and September 10th.

Read the complete minutes of the August Victory Heights Community Council meeting.

Food Truck Friday, arranged by our community President, Ben Cober, has been a huge success, featuring many varied cuisines throughout the summer. Located next to Victory Heights Park on NE 106th Place, two trucks each week park between 11 AM and 2 PM, selling delicious food to perhaps weary home workers. Be sure and check them out by September 10th.

Ben says we’ll probably try it again in 2022, but perhaps experiment with dinners on Fridays instead. Send us feedback if you have a suggestion.

On September 10th, starting at 1 PM, after you’ve eaten, wander over to the tennis court to learn more about our upcoming Community Connections program for reaching out to seniors and other folks who may not be online savvy.

On September 18th, we are looking for volunteers to help participate in an Emergency HUB drill that will be held at Maple Leaf Park (the one with the water tower). Starting at 9 AM, the HUB will be open and staffed by volunteers, but we need YOU, the general public, to come and “overwhelm” us with requests and needs (we’ll have slips of paper with various fictional scenarios, no need for you to be creative). This “stress test” is the best way for us to improve our Emergency HUBs (like the one we have in Victory Heights Park) in case of a real situation. Mark your calendars.

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