Columbia Citizens

your Wikli-fix: upbeat

For some reason today's events conspired against the Wikli, so it's just barely meeting its usual Wednesday deadline. But on the upside, there's a whole lot going on this week, and you get to pick, strum, and applaud along with your neighbors.

Arts Gumbo: CUBA

Arts Gumbo 2012 presents three Latino cultural programs in September, October and November featuring music, dance and food of Cuba, Brazil and Argentina. This family series takes place at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S Alaska St in Columbia City. On Saturday, September 8, Arts Gumbo: Cuba! starts at 6 pm with the deep-grooving salsa music of Orchestra Zarabanda, a salsa dance workshop for audiences with Maiensy Sanchez, cultural exhibits, poetry readings and food from Seattle's best Cuban restaurant Cafe con Leche!

CCBA spotlights Southeast Youth and Family Services

The Columbia City Business Association has selected for its quarterly "Community Spotlight" the Southeast Youth and Family Services. The CCBA’s Spotlight program is an effort to help the community at large get to know some of the wonderful local non-profit and service organizations that are improving the quality of life in our neighborhood. Additionally, the CCBA is maintaining donation boxes at participating businesses and at the Columbia City Farmers Market for SYFS's fall school supplies drive.

Columbia City Community Chorus fall session

Looking for a place to connect with your neighbors, have fun, make a joyful noise, and make a difference? Come sing with us! The Columbia City Community Chorus winter session starts Tuesday Sept 11th.

Columbia City Community Chorus Fall Session
September 11 - December 11, 7:30-9pm
Columbia City Church of Hope, 3818 S Angeline St (downstairs)

There's also a Columbia City Children's Chorus — its spring session also starts September 11.

Don't miss the final BeatWalk of the season

Join us this Friday, September 7, for the final BeatWalk of the 2012 season! Musicians will play throughout the Columbia City business district along Rainier Ave S from 7-10pm.

We also invite you to enjoy a fabulous retail happy hour, with many of Columbia City's shopping venues offering special BeatWalk discounts.

Here's this month's lineup.

family music classes in March

Music for Everyone classes offer musical activities that are playful, interactive and educational. Using songs, storybooks, puppets, games, percussion instruments and folk dances, early childhood music teacher Jana Vitols disguises music education in a costume of play. She shares her enthusiasm for music, accompanying classes on violin, banjo and guitar.

2-5 year olds and their parent/caregiver are welcome to join the upcoming music series that starts, Wednesday March 27 @ The Lakewood/Seward Park Community Club! Wed & Th 10 & 11am classes currently have a few openings.

Precious Knowledge: Arizona's Battle Over Ethnic Studies

An award-winning documentary about an epic civil rights battle in Tucson high schools. The 70-minute film shows committed students, parents and teachers mobilizing to save Mexican American Studies from a legislative ban on "ethnically divisive" classes and books.

Thursday, September 20, 7:30 pm. Door donation $2. Dinner served at 6:30 pm for $8.50 donation. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S. Hosted by Radical Women. Information, rides or childcare: 722-6057, moc.gnirpsdnim|elttaesWR#moc.gnirpsdnim|elttaesWR. Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible.

Radical Women organizing meeting

Feminist activism near and far: hear about protests by March on Wall Street South at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Learn about RW's recent activities and get updated on future plans. Also to be discussed, a recent article on "Feminist Revival in NYC."

Thursday, September 6, 7:30pm
Dinner 6:30pm • $8.50 dinner donation • $2 door donation
New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave S.

Rainier Community Center Advisory Council

Are you interested in being a part of the Rainier Community Center Advisory Council? We're looking for new members. We meet once a month to work with center staff to plan programs and events. It's a great group of people and a good way to help our community.

Please contact vog.elttaes|rehtniw.ahtram#vog.elttaes|rehtniw.ahtram for more info.

trees for Rainier Valley neighbors

Exciting news, Seattle neighbors! Seattle reLeaf's 2012 Trees for Neighborhoods program is underway. Want to beautify your home and neighborhood? Build a healthy community? Here's your chance. Trees for Neighborhoods provides up to four trees per household to plant in residential yards (renters and owners alike). In addition to free trees, participants in the program receive free watering bags, training on proper planting and care of trees, and ongoing tree care support. Yard tree applications will be due October 21 — application information is here.

ukulele group classes with Kathleen Tracy

Summer is winding down, but don't be bummin' - just get strummin'!
Come learn the fundamental skills to get you playing this versatile,
portable, and fun instrument.

Beginner 1 & 2 classes