December 2008

Mayor Greg Nickels has awarded over $281,000 in matching funds to 24 neighborhood projects in Seattle, including three in the Ballard area.

The money is going toward the support of Seattle neighborhoods who proposed projects depicting public art, race and social justice, youth development and climate protection.

The three Ballard groups, the Seattle Housing Authority Residents Preparing, Olympic Manor Community Club and Friends of Salmon Bay Park, took the awards because their projects support building stronger bonds in the community.

Since 1988, the Small

Written by Peggy Sturdivant

Live Music Venue: Tractor Tavern

This was no contest with Tractor Tavern taking the category without another venue in its wake.

Best Bartender: Drew at Hazlewood

Clearly, Ballard has an amazing selection of watering holes and patrons will always have their favorites, but Drew at Hazelwood was a clear frontrunner.

Hazelwood has been described as Ballard's smallest bar.

Ballard

Bad Albert's Tap and Grill

5100 Ballard Ave. N.W.

782-9623

Happy Hour: 3 to 6 p.m. daily, $1 off appetizers, beers and well drinks on special.

www.badalberts.com

Thursdays, 8 to 10:30 p.m. No cover

Taste of the Blues, featuring Annieville Blues and her special guests

Sundays, 5 to 8:30 p.m. No cover

Bill Chism, Jazz and guitar

A narrowed set of hybrid scenarios for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be presented for comment at an open forum Dec. 15.

From the eight scenarios studied for the last six months, the most promising building blocks will be reassembled into two or three "hybrid" scenarios for evaluation, and for comment from the public, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15 at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave.

Provided by Edward Jones, a member of the New York Stock Exchange

Dec. 11 2008, U.S. stocks fell and bond prices rose after this week's initial jobless claims jumped to a record high. Also weighing on the market were concerns over the auto industry's $14 billion rescue plan that may lack the votes needed to pass the Senate.

Finally, the two cities of Seattle and Burien have reached a preliminary agreement to the proposed annexation of the unincorporated area of North Highline.

The parties involved in the mediation talks include the cities of Burien and Seattle, King County and Fire District 2 and 11.

The city councils and fire district commissioners will have to ratify the agreement. Burien is expected to do that Dec. 15, said Burien City Manager Mike Martin.

The basics of the agreement are as follows.

1.

Provided by Edward Jones, a member of the New York Stock Exchange

Dec. 10 2008, U.S. stocks rose and bond prices fell despite an economic report which showed wholesale inventories fell more than expected.

Thanksgiving is crossed off the to do list and you've increased your exercise routine and now preparations are being made for the Christmas season. You are going through your list and checking it twice to see who has been naughty or nice.

The guest list is written out and who'll bring what to the many holiday gatherings. Here's a little food for thought.

Finally, the two cities of Seattle and Burien have reached a preliminary agreement to the proposed annexation of the unincorporated area of North Highline.

The parties involved in the mediation talks include the cities of Burien and Seattle, King County and Fire District 2 and 11.

The city councils and fire district commissioners will have to ratify the agreement. Burien is expected to do that Dec. 15, said Burien City Manager Mike Martin.

The basics of the agreement are as follows.

1.

This gift-giving season is suddenly done-gone-green hasn't it?

Are you wondering how to go about getting a little green into your life, without spending a lot of green? Here are some ideas to help you get started viva la vida verde (living the green life.)

First idea: Think small. Get a small plant to live by your phone. You can grow it on for years to come, it is easier on the pocketbook, and it is right beside the phone so you can never forget about it. Whenever you make or answer a call, you'll see your darling, new friend and tend to it.