Congrats to the lady with a lopper and a ladder

Barb Burrill, one of Wallingford's hardest working volunteers, recycling guru, Wallyhood writer, and community tree steward, has been selected as a national finalist for the Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees) 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. ACTrees awards individuals who are "inspirational volunteers in action who have made a contribution to urban forestry by improving community trees and the neighborhoods where they live." Barb is one of 40 orchard stewards who works with City Fruit and Seattle Parks and Recreation under their…

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Meet New Wallingford Chamber President, Debbi Larson

The Wallingford branch of Seattle Bank recently received the 2012 Wallingford Chamber of Commerce's "Outstanding Service to the Community by a Business" award, thanks, largely, to the tireless efforts of Community Banker, Debbi Larson. Since 2009, Larson has been active in the Wallingford Chamber to help promote businesses within the neighborhood. She founded and chairs the ever-popular "Cheers to Wallingford" business expo, which is now headed into its third year. The business expo gives a boost to businesses with additional exposure…

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Playfield repairs and a new dog park? There’s a grant for that.

Back in December, we posted about the Wallingford playfield closure, a post which spurred a lot of comments from concerned neighbors. In true Wallyhood fashion, most comments were civil, though the off-leash-dogs-at-the-park issue clearly does push our collective buttons. Reader and community leader Greg, who was the driving force behind the playfield and who still keeps a watchful eye over it, filled readers in on some the history of the park and the challenges posed by rain, cleats and paws: During…

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Sip Cider and Dance

Join the Burke-Gilman Trail Urban Orchard Stewards on Sunday from noon to 3 pm at their 2nd Annual Cider Pressing event. The Orchard Stewards take care of 23 public fruit trees on the Trail between the University Bridge and just west of Gasworks Park. The one pear and 22 apple trees are thriving after many work parties this past year. In snow, rain, and even sun, volunteers removed blackberries, Scotch Broom, cherry laurel and English Ivy, spread wood chips and Zoo…

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Volunteering – As American as Apple Pie

With the Fourth of July and the Wallingford Kiddie Parade right around the corner, Wallingford residents have volunteer opportunities aplenty, without even needing to leave the ‘hood. And really, what better way to show a little pride in your country than by chipping in to make it a cleaner, more fun place to live? Wednesday: The Family 4th at Gasworks Park (and other destinations around Lake Union) could use plenty of helping hands. In order to help, you must register at…

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5th of July Gas Works Cleanup

 Last year, all the good trash was gone by the time I got to the Starbucks 5th of July Cleanup at Gas Works Park. In response to the huge 2010 turnout, this year boasts three check in points: Gas Works Park, the Center for Wooden Boats at South Lake Union, and Rogers Playfield in Eastlake) so hopefully trash enough for everyone. I'd still recommend checking in at 9am to ensure you don't get stuck with a choice of extra-venti or…

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Wallingford Cleans!

Greg Martin from the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce (and our sponsor, Oom Yung Doe) sent these photos from Saturday's Spring Clean in Wallingford. According to Greg, 17 kids from the Boys and Girls Club, along with an additional 15 other folks from the neighborhood, came to lend a helping hand. Greg said that the group took an impressive 200lbs of garbage off the streets. Thanks to everyone who volunteered on Saturday! The Chamber thanks Wallingford Center for hosting the event in their…

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