This Friday, December 14th, the Christmas ships will be sailing around Lake Union and through the Fremont Cut for the annual Parade of Boats, and we should have a good view of the festivities here in Wallingford. There are musical performances aboard the lead ship at 7:20 p.m. in the middle of the lake, and 8:10 p.m. at Evanston Plaza in Fremont.

For those unfamiliar with the Christmas Ships, here’s some info from their website.

The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival is a ship-to-shore holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. The Spirit of Seattle, the …

Local historians Paul Dorpat and Jean Sherrard have a new book out, titled Seattle Now & Then: The Historic Hundred. They are touring in support of their book launch, and next week Wallingford residents will have a chance to catch one of their illustrated talks outlining local history.

I haven’t had a chance to read the book yet, but if it is half as fascinating as their website, it’s bound to be worth your time.

Monday, November 19, 2018 

7 p.m. in the chapel of the Good Shepherd Center 

The event is free, books are available for purchase and personalizing, …

Neighborhood children rejoice! Just in time for the start of the rainy season, the new playground at Gas Works Park is open for business.

I took my little ones to the park to get their take on the new facilities, and was told it gets “eighty thousand thumbs up!”

There are large and small climbing structures, a couple of slides, a swinging net big enough for multiple children, a super-popular spinning climber, and even a lovely patio for parents to sit and enjoy the fine views.

Once the Wallingford Playfield closes for construction, this will be our new neighborhood destination …

It is a sad fact of life in this neighborhood that if you spend any time in parks or public spaces, you are likely to find used needles.

The Wallingford Community Council has set up a series of trainings to teach the community about how to clean up discarded needles, human waste, and other hazardous trash left in parks or other public spaces.

The trainings will be conducted by a member of Seattle Public Utilities, and will cover how to safely clean up sharps and other hazardous waste (safe for you and safe for garbage collectors).

Sharps (needles) Pick-up Training…

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the scale of the homeless problem we’ve been dealing with in Wallingford? Frustrated and wondering what you can do?

This week’s Wallingford Community Council meeting will feature a representative from the city’s Navigation Team. They’re the people specially trained to help people living in unauthorized encampments get the services and support they need. The Navigation Team representative will speak to safety concerns about illegal encampments, garbage, and hazardous waste (needles, human feces), as well as cover what the police can do and what residents can do.

Details: When: Wednesday, September 5th, at 7 p.m. Where:…

Wallyhood reader and John Stanford parent Margie sent us the following note:

Could you please share the sad news that a beloved John Stanford Japanese teacher, Kayoko sensei, just lost her husband? She has 2 young kids and has to survive on a teacher’s salary in Seattle:

https://www.gofundme.com/kasaiensley-family-fund

Our heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family and friends and the community affected by this loss.…

The weather looks to be warm and sunny on Tuesday night, perfect for getting out in the streets and hanging with your neighbors. It’s time for the annual Night Out Seattle. Promoted by the Seattle Police Department, it is a national event to reduce crime and strengthen communities. There will be street closures and block parties all over the neighborhood, with potlucks, grill outs, live music, and games for kids. The SPD has a database where you can find the block parties closest to you, and register your block party if you haven’t already. Registration closes on Monday night.

Go …