The lower playground at BF Day. Photo courtesy of K. Lindsay.

Intrepid play date organizer Joe, father of one current BF Day student and a soon-to-be kindergartner, wrote to invite all incoming BF Day kindergartners to meet for some play time this summer:

It would be great if our kiddos could get together this summer to get to know each other before the big “K.” How about we give the kiddos some play time on Thursday, June 27th, from 10:30 until 12:30 or whenever. Let’s meet at the B.F. Day lower playground right next to the school.

Joe is also keeping a list of incoming families so that he can alert everyone to future play dates. You can email him at joe.olegario@gmail.com to get on the list, or to suggest days/times/locations for future play dates.

Update 4:23PM: We received a note from Groupon telling us that they have, in fact, confirmed with Chabela’s that they are closed. Nick from Groupon writes:

We confirmed that the merchant has in fact closed. Anyone who has an outstanding Groupon voucher can contact us at www.groupon.com/support for a return.

Also, I would take issue with the first commenter. More than 500,000 merchants have featured deals on Groupon, including Seattle-based Starbucks. Plus, our re-feature rate with merchants is more than 50 percent.

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We saw this question in the Forums the other day, from “Schellsburg”:

So, is Chabela’s closed? Their door has been locked for at least a week, and their phone number goes ring…ring…ring. The menus are still taped to their windows, and there’s no visible indication on the storefront what might be going on. Would be a pity, as we enjoyed the food the few times we’d been there…

And Frankie’s response:

Kind of looks like it. Right after I got a Groupon. So I’m out ten bucks. Discovered this on Thursday last week.

I’ve been phoning the restaurant every day for the past few days and haven’t been able to reach anyone. Plus, it’s been dark inside for over a week now.

Personally, my family and I ate there in early May and were pretty underwhelmed with the food and the service, though I know there were several readers (including Schellsburg above) who posted far better experiences there. Either way, I hate to see another business in the neighborhood that’s gone dark.

Mayoral and City Council candidates are headed to Gas Works Park next week for a special lunchtime Q&A.

Hosted by the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Fremont, Ballard, Queen Anne, and U District Chambers, this 90 minute lunch will be on Wednesday, June 19, from 12:00PM to 1:30PM at the Gas Works Park Pavilion (2101 N. Northlake Way). The cost is $20 which covers a catered picnic lunch. Here’s the full scoop:

This fun annual event grows every year and with the picnic shelter – rain or shine, this is always a great place to talk with all the candidates before the primary to determine who you will support, vote for and maybe even work to help elect.

We welcome:

Mayoral Candidates: Mike McGinn, Tim Burgess, Bruce Harrell, Kate Martin, Ed Murray, Peter Steinbrueck

We will also be joined by Candidates for City Council as well as representatives from various initiatives.

$20 includes a picnic lunch by Cafe Turko with dessert by Cameron Catering!

Click here to RSVP. This is your chance to meet face-to-face with candidates for office and get your questions answered over a picnic lunch!

FamilyWorks is looking for some volunteers, ages 16+, to help out with a reading program for kids, ages 6-12, at the Wallingford Boys & Girls Club.

The program will run Tuesdays & Thursdays July 2 – August 20 (no tutoring on July 4). and orientation begins next Tuesday (June 18). Volunteers meet with their buddies from 4 to 5 p.m. and can come at 3:30 to help set up and stay until 5:15 to help clean up.  They encourage volunteers to commit to coming for the entire program, but they are flexible. Here’s more from FamilyWorks:

Looking for awesome Reading Buddies to read with kids this summer

FamilyWorks and the Wallingford Boys & Girls Club are teaming up to provide a summer reading program called “Reading Buddies”.  This program connects volunteers with 6-12 year olds twice a week to read and do literacy activities together.  Our goal is to support and encourage the love of reading and to help students retain reading comprehension skills over the summer vacation.

Requirements:

-Are at least 16 years old

-Enjoy spending time with children ages 6-12

-Able to come regularly throughout the program and can call/e-mail if unable to attend at the last minute

-Enjoy reading

For more information or to apply, contact Sarah Turner at saraht@familyworksseattle.org or 206-694-6849.

The Wallingford Community Senior Center (WCSC) is offering a five week course on saltwater salmon fishing. Check it out:

Hosted at Wallingford Community Senior Center

Learn all about saltwater salmon fishing in this fun, affordable, five week course. Great for beginners and experienced anglers alike! Hands-on practice with knots and bait, helpful information about local hot spots, and gear and technique recommendations included! Proceeds help fund camp scholarships for youth. Offered by the Seattle Poggie Club. $60 per person and $30 per add’l family member. Call 206-525-3593 for more info.