Couth Buzzard Books – Opening Soon & Volunteers Wanted !!!

The new Couth Buzzard Books Espresso Buono Café (8310 Greenwood Ave. N) is counting down the days to their grand reopening! The tentative debut is now set for December 16th, pending final passage of the Seattle City Health Department Inspection.

In preparation for the big day, Couth Buzzard is actively soliciting volunteer help for sorting and shelving thousands of books. This Saturday and Sunday, (December 12-13) the owners will be hosting all-day work parties, so stop by if you have a chance and lend a hand!

Contact Couth Buzzard directly at 206 436-2960 or call Theo Dzielak (206 418-9522, melodyplay@earthlink.net) for more information.

By: Alicia Craven

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Greenwood Literary Landmark Returns: The re-opening of Couth Buzzard Books

It’s coming—the long drizzly doldrums of Seattle winter that send Northwesterns scurrying to curl up with a warm caffeinated beverage and a good book. Luckily, Greenwood residents will soon have another refuge in which to hibernate. Come mid-November, the re-imagined Couth Buzzard Books will open in its new location: 8310 Greenwood Ave.

Greenwood is familiar territory to Couth Buzzard—their previous site was just ten blocks south on the same street. They lost their lease in that building, however, when the next-door Ken’s Market grocery store expanded. The old Couth Buzzard Books closed its doors in September 2008.

Now, after a yearlong closure, Couth Buzzard is rising like a phoenix. And this time, there will be pastries.

“We’re going to have a café, a sitting area in the front, and a performance space in the back,” Theo Dzielak, the previous manager of Couth Buzzard explains, gesturing around the open space. Dzielak is one of three owners of the new space, together with Gerry Lovchik, Couth Buzzard’s previous owner, and Penny Wright, owner of the Lynnwood Espresso Buono.

“Penny has the café expertise,” Lovchik says, pointing out the future site of the espresso bar. “But right now we’re just waiting on the government.” Lovchik sighs and smiles, shaking his head. “Health department.”

The treats will be one addition to the new store, as will the entertainment. The previous Couth Buzzard Books hosted events intermittently, but this time they’re hoping to have a more consistent performance schedule. Dzielak’s experience in this realm will be helpful. From 1996 to 2004, he coordinated an independent cabaret theater in the home of an ex-Microsoft employee who’d struck it rich on stock options when the company went public.

“After she made all that money, she decided she wanted to do something different, and have this home performance space. So I found the acts and managed a cabaret space in her home. There was room for about 65 people or so.” The performance space in the back of the new Couth Buzzard is cozier, but Dzielak’s background makes him open to an eclectic range of performance styles—music, skits, author readings, open mics—all are possibilities.

The new Couth Buzzard will also host writing groups, bridge and chess clubs, and may offer space for local AA meetings. Clearly, the owners envision it as much as a community center as a bookstore.

In the mean time, a dozen rows of recently installed naked bookshelves sit waiting patiently to be filled. “Fiction” “Financing/Investing” “Oversized Women’s Issues” read small signs on the front door advertising a smattering of the genres that will be available (hopefully the latter is a typo representing two distinct categories). Nathan Heath, the owner of the now closed Epilogue Books in Ballard will be helping in the initial stocking effort. To start, the core of Couth Buzzard’s offerings will come from Epilogue Books’ old collection. “But we’re always open to donations—of books and time!” Dzielak says enthusiastically. Neighborhood residents can reach Dzielak at melodyplay@earthlink.net for more information about contributing classic novels, or construction expertise.

So stay tuned, and keep a soggy Seattle eye peeled for Couth Buzzard’s impending arrival.

By: Alicia Craven

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Greenwood Space Travel Supply: An Intergalactic Resource

The regulars at Greenwood Space Travel Supply are easy to spot—eschewing the superfluous side door, these savvy youthful patrons make a bee-line past the displays of tantalizing intergalactic accessories like Space Vehicle Hull Repair Patches and inflatable Interplanetary Puppies, and head straight for the teleporter at the back of the store. Although Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. does a brisk business selling Cherry-scented smoking alien stun guns, and anti-gravity gyroscopes, it is, essentially, an elaborate front. For beyond its futuristic inky black revolving teleporter doorway is the headquarters of 826 Seattle —a non-profit youth writing and after-school tutoring center.

826 Seattle is a Greenwood institution. It’s the Seattle branch of 826 National—a writing, tutoring, and publishing organization started by the renowned author, screenwriter and philanthropist, Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, “Away We Go”). Founded in San Francisco in 2002, the group has since opened writing centers in seven cities across the country.

Since it’s opening four years ago, 826 Seattle has become a treasured fixture of the neighborhood—adding to the quirky, creative charm for which Greenwood is known. The center hosts many popular programs, chief among them free, drop-in homework help to neighborhood students of all ages. From 3-6 pm, Monday through Thursday, teams of dedicated volunteer tutors and students descend on 826 Seattle, settling in around expansive oak tables to practice spelling words, hash out fractions, and pen eloquent essays. A decorative penguin, outfitted in shimmering silver intergalactic attire, sits on a bookshelf perch, presiding over the vivacious buzz of creative energy below. With it’s festive, space travel themed décor, and warm, welcoming ambiance, 826 Seattle feels more like a secret clubhouse than a traditional sterile tutoring center.

In addition to drop-in tutoring, 826 Seattle also teams up with local schools to promote students’ love of writing by offering dynamic, in-house writing field trips. During these field trips, a local teacher brings his or her class to 826 Seattle where, in just two hours, students collaboratively brainstorm, and compose a completed creative story (i.e.-“Knucklehead’s Extreme Desert Wrestling Match” or “Super S’more and the Terrible Toasting Dragon.”) The texts are printed, bound, and each student leaves, a published writer, with a customized copy.

On the weekends, the action at 826 Seattle continues with free Saturday youth writing workshops. The gauntlet of topics in October alone ranges from: “Unleashing the Wild Things”—an imaginative story writing class about being marooned on a deserted island, to the Halloween inspired “Monsters in Your Closet: Writing from Real Life”—a class on crafting personal narratives and creative non-fiction. The output of these workshops is visible in the Space Travel Supply Co. where glossy paperback anthologies of students’ work line the bookshelves.

Adults too can hone their writing chops at 826 Seattle by signing up for the “Write Like I Do” monthly writing workshops . Local literary luminaries (i.e.-Nancy Pearl, David Schmader. John Roderick) lead seminars on everything from novel writing, to music reviews, to lyrics composition. Classes are $30, and 100% of the proceeds go towards 826 Seattle programming. All purchases at Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. also help fund 826 Seattle’s valuable work. So to those who have long marveled curiously at the display windows of 8414 Greenwood Ave.—the discount rocket fuel, and stylishly attired mannequins putting the cosmo back in cosmopolitan—consider an in-person visit. Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co.—a worthy front, indeed.

By: Alicia Craven

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Phinney Ridge Yoga

Phinney Ridge Yoga is a key part of the community and one of the many neighborhood organizations renting space at the Phinney Neighborhood Center. Phinney Ridge Yoga is one of two programs offering classes in the Phinney Yoga House studio. We sat down with owner Christy Fisher to learn more about the yoga offerings and their own community integration.

PR.o: How did you decide to start a yoga center here in Phinney Ridge?

Christy: I had been teaching around Seattle at a variety of studios for about 8 years and was seeking a more permanent home. I joined forces with Jennifer Keeler, who directs Yoga Momma and we formed the Phinney Yoga House at the Phinney Neighborhood Center. We moved into the Phinney Neighborhood Center around 18 months ago and really love the interaction with community members and the vibrant offerings in a central spot for families of all ages. The Yoga Momma portion of the offerings by Jennifer are typically offered later in the evenings to be convenient for Moms with children and their busy schedules. Yoga Momma also offers pre-natal and children’s yoga classes that have been a big success with our students.

PR.o: What type of yoga style do you focus on?

Christy: Our program offer classes in the Kripalu, Integral and Viniyoga traditions. These styles tend to focus on the therapeutic and spiritual aspects of yoga and adapt practices to meet individual needs. They are often distinguished from the more “power “ oriented yoga classes offered around town—like the Vinyasa or Ashtanga styles that tend to be stronger and faster paced. I’ve been drawn to the styles at our studio because I feel that they are incredibly accessible for a wide spectrum of student needs. We have students that range from kids who are 14 years of age, to students in their 90’s! It makes it a very community oriented program.

PR.o: Can you be more specific on how you work with Seattle’s Phinney Ridge and Greenwood communities?

Christy: We are very focused on community oriented integration and events. We work closely with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society who is sponsoring students in our classes. These students attend our regular classes. Our teachers are very experienced in working with people with MS and other physical challenges and will adapt practices depending on what each student needs. We additionally offer a free class in Ballard for people with MS (The Embrace the Moon Studio) – the Ballard studio is fully accessible for students in wheelchairs or who may have mobility issues. Our yoga approach is highly adaptive– which is a great match for the spectrum of students that we serve.

PR.o: Are there other types of yoga that you offer besides the Kripalu style?

Christy: We also offer the Integral and Viniyoga method, which is similar in its adaptive approach to serve the spectrum of students. We are really looking to create offerings that leverage the community space for the neighborhood.

PR.o: Can you share some of the community events you are involved in?

Christy: We offer a free monthly mediation circle for the community and have collaborated with the Phinney Center on several events so far. As part of the Phinney Neighborhood Center celebration in June, we offered a chalk drawing activity for local families. We’d like to increase our participation more and are working with the art community on a number of projects. We will be starting up a branch of Artslaunch at our studio, a non-profit forum for local visual artists, choreographers, composers, and writers. Hosted during the Greenwood Artwalks, it will be a free event although visitors can donate if they wish – the major goal is to support the local arts community.

PR.o: How do you differ from other yoga studios around the Seattle area?

Christy: I think many yoga studios are offering a strong “power” oriented yoga practice like Ashtanga or Vinyasa or stronger Hatha yoga flows. These offerings are oriented more towards the athleticism of the physical practice . This is a great approach for a lot of people. On the other hand, our offerings are applicable to a broad spectrum of students of varying abilities and ages, as our approach is so adaptive to different needs. The Vinyasa method of yoga is a vigorous flow – you really can build up a sweat . We do offer classes at the Phinney Yoga House of varying physical levels (from very gentle to strong)—yet they are definitely all on the more highly meditative end of the yoga spectrum.

Phinney Yoga House was nominated by Seattle’s King 5 news and local students as one of the best yoga studios in Western Washington. Some of the students that nominated the studio say:
“…This is a place that adapts to each of us, makes all feel welcome, and truly helps us at our own levels….”

“….Gifted, skillful, soulful teachers. Beautiful welcoming space. Accommodating location, environs and class schedule. Positively contributing to the community….”

“…The studio space is inviting and calming. Jennifer is a talented, intuitive and compassionate instructor….”

PR.o: The Yoga Momma service is great for the community also. Can you tell us more about it?

Jen: We serve women and families and are a lovely compliment to PRY offerings at the House. Our big programs are the Yoga for Moms program (just for moms), offered three nights per week later in the evening, Prenatal Yoga, and Kids programs. We will begin a Family Yoga offering this Fall, and on October 3rd we’ll have FREE classes to celebrate our 4 years.

I had been teaching at the Phinney Neighborhood Association for a couple of years prior to our studio space becoming available, and continuing to be a part of the PNA was a hopeful vision of mine for growth. Christy’s reputation in the community drew me to see if she would enjoy partnering in the studio, and it has been a lovely, committed partnership ever since. Yoga Momma celebrates 4 years on the ridge this October – prior to teaching at the PNA I had been on a smaller studio on 3rd Ave NW & NW 70th St (MotionSense Movement Studio.) My program truly has evolved out of the Phinney Community, growing to meet the needs and desires of local families through a passion for yoga.

We want to sincerely thank both Jen and Christy for sharing their work and their spiritual combination of exercise to serve the Phinney Ridge and nearby Greenwood neighborhoods.

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Phinney Ridge Garage Sale – A Huge Success for Community and Charities

Strolling through the Phinney Ridge and Greenwood garage sales today, we were struck by the sense of community and people-helping-people for the neighborhood. From the flea market at the Neighborhood Center, to the multitude of homes teaming to sell their excess “stuff” – often for a charity – it was a great day for Phinney Ridge and Greenwood. After an awesome brunch at Pete’s Eggsnest, here’s a few photos from the day.

For most original garage sale – this family offered a free, interactive preview of their sock puppet parties for kids. It was a fun idea, with tons of enthusiasm – might be perfect for our next birthday party. Socko visits a variety of schools, preschools, and kindergartens around Seattle.

All in all, a great day around Phinney Ridge and Greenwood.
Our best finds were:
* Rain boots for kids – $2
* Winter heavy boots for kids – $5
* Car wax orbital polisher – $5
* Mountain sleeping bag – $10
* Rokenbak toy set – $5
* Daughter loves her giant pink stuffed kitty-cat from the girl scouts – $1
* Hello Kitty t-shirt with monkey logo – $1
* Unlimited fun and community – PRICELESS.

More great photos from BradyDaley and Jaxon Brooks….. Garage Salin’

From: 67th and Phinney Avenue

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Kids Clothes in Phinney Ridge – Two Community Sales

Both of the preschool co-ops from the Phinney Neighborhood Association are hosting sales of gently-used clothing in September on:

This Saturday, September 12th from 9am-1pm (Part of the Phinney Ridge / Greenwood super- garage sale day). Prices on most items will be half-off from noon to 1pm. This sale is hosted by the 65th Street Preschool Co-Op.

Just two weeks after, get the clothes you may have missed on Saturday, September 26th – also from 9am to 1pm.

At the sales, you’ll find:
Gently used clothes for kids 0-10 years
Maternity clothes
Toys & games
Kids books
Strollers
Baby & kid gear of all kinds…

You can also donate your own clothing for “fall cleaning” to both of the co-ops. Contact us or the co-ops for detailed donation information.

Both sales will be held at 6532 Phinney Avenue North .

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Yoga News Around Seattle

A new site is posting regular updates on yoga news around Seattle – including new studios opening, training opportunities, and other very cool tips.  We found the site when they posted on new studios opening in Phinney Ridge where 8 Limbs Yoga will open its 4th location.   More local services at Phinney Ridge is always a good thing.    We first met the writer, Nikki and were truly inspired by her energy, calm, and dedication to yoga around the area.   Let us know of other businesses opening around Phinney Ridge and Greenwood that we can share.

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Phinney Ridge and Greenwood Garage Sale – September 12th

Get ready for over 100 garage, rummage, alley, and sidewalk sales around the Phinney and Greenwood neighborhoods on September 12th from 9am-3pm (no early birds!!!)  There will be kids sales, tool swaps, and even flea markets. The full detailed neighborhood garage sale map is linked here: Phinney Ridge Super-Mega 2009 Garage Sale

The Phinney neighborhood center will have several specials sales right in the upper and lower center parkings lots.

A flea market and tool swap will be held in the lower parking lot.

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Phinney Ridge Farmers Market

Every Friday, from 3pm to 7pm – you can get amazingly fresh, local produce from a variety of farms and organic growers at the Phinney Ridge Community Center.  It’s a community event to see neighbors and friends, plus get your shopping done with better quality and generally lower prices.  We support local growers and organic foods.

The farmers market began on May 29th, and goes through October 2.  Details at the Seattle Farmers Market site for Phinney Ridge Market

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