by Kirby Lindsay, posted 30 November 2012
The November meeting of the Fremont Neighborhood Council (FNC) started with information on an upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day event to be held at Doric Lodge 92. The event poster has a quote from Mr. King as the headline, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Throughout the FNC Board meeting that theme persisted as the organization focused on helping others – in the past, present and future.
Celebrating Service
Ralph and Sara Weathers presented preliminary plans for a day of presentations, a potluck and volunteer opportunities for January 21st, from 10a – 4p. “We don’t know what it is going to be,” Ralph Weathers explained. He has recently been installed as the first African-American Grand Worshipful Master of Doric Lodge 92, and he decided to acknowledge this fact by organizing a Martin Luther King Jr event.
Sara Weathers distributed the posters they’ve created, and information from the Corporation for National & Community Service about the holiday, which is also designation a national day of service. So far, she said, the event is “a mix of things,” including a keynote speech from Franklin Donahoe, Commissioner on African American Affairs for Washington State, and an opportunity for local organizations (B.F. Day School, Fremont Baptist Church, etc.) to distribute information. “The Lodge is very flexible,” Ralph Weathers said, “about what we are doing.” Anyone who wants to participate, and has suggestions, can contact ralph.weathers@comcast.net
Forum Follow-Up
In October, in place of its monthly meeting, the FNC held an Election Forum. They hosted speakers on both sides of Referendum 74, and State Representative candidates Frank Chopp and Kshama Sawant. Board members that attended gave positive recaps of the event, which was very well attended. Judy Clarridge mentioned how helpful the young people from Occupy Seattle were about putting away chairs after the forum.
Everyone agreed that the event could be repeated, although Toby Thaler – who served as moderator – suggested a more strategic selection of topics. He voiced support for a referendum or initiative less well-understood, and with more undecided voters, than Referendum 74.
The Board agreed to hold another forum, but not necessarily in place of its monthly meeting. Some identified the districting of the City Council as a potential topic, as well as the election for Mayor and four City Council seats, for 2013. Jessica Vets, of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, also invited the FNC to be a partner in its bi-annual candidate’s forum, Picnic In The Park, coming up next year on June 19th.
Crosswalk Concerns
In September, the FNC meeting focused on transportation, with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Director Peter Hahn in attendance. FNC Board President Matt Gasparich reported on his efforts to follow up, since that meeting, about a crosswalk for Fremont Avenue North at N 43rd Street. He wants to request a City survey on that site, but has had no success getting a response.
Gasparich also reported on concerns voiced at the September meeting about methods of slowing vehicular traffic on N 39th Street between Leary Way NW and Fremont Avenue N. Clarridge restated the concerns raised about the dangers to pedestrians when crossing N 36th Street near its curve into Leary Way NW.
The September meeting also discussed transit, and Thaler wanted to send a letter to the METRO representatives in support of the new #40 bus which has made travel in West Fremont easier. The Board voted in favor of sending a letter.
Tales On Two Murals
Norma Jones reported on efforts to reach agreement on the future of the Aurora Bridge Mural with its artist. The artist has threatened to have the City paint out the mural because efforts to repair graffiti have caused changes to the art and its original color. The City does not intend to spend money to paint it out, particularly when it is in good condition and neighborhood advocates argue that it was given to the community.
In researching the issue of ownership, City representatives found a document signed by the artist that promised he would do maintain the mural, although he hasn’t. They have now sent him a letter encouraging him to transfer his rights to the work to the Fremont Arts Council, and informing him that painting out the mural would only be done at his expense. Jones said that for now, the community is waiting to hear the artist’s response.
At this meeting, Linda Clifton reported on the 46th St Mural, created by Todd Lown as a joint project between Fremont and Wallingford neighbors. The mural recently suffered two graffiti tags and the 46th St Mural Steering Committee paid to have the graffiti removed, and signed a contract for 2013 with the local artist doing the maintenance work. They’ve also begun looking at potential fundraising methods for replenishing the mural maintenance fund.
Other Projects for Others
The meeting also contained information on land use, the Woodland Park Zoo, safety, the Lake Union District Council, and the FNC budget for neighborhood improvement projects. To learn more about the FNC, and how it helps others, attend the next meeting on January 28th at 7p at Doric Lodge 92.
Or talk to FNC members at the MLK Day Of Service gathering, to be held at the Lodge on January 21st. Hope to see you there!
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©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.