Holiday Light Walk 2014!

Come join us for the Holiday Light Walk this Saturday, December 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm!  There will be two warming stations offering warm beverages and snacks, and maybe even a...ahem...adult beverage or two!  These stations will be at 127th Place in the lower neighborhood and at 188th Street near the  4-way stop in the upper neighborhood (same as previous years).  Stop by and say hi!

We look forward to seeing you out enjoying the holiday lights!

Home Safety For The Holidays

The holiday season is a special time around Boulevard Lane, with many residents taking time to decorate their houses in special fashion.  This has also resulted in the annual tradition of our Holiday Light Walk (more about that soon).

Unfortunately, it is also a time when busy people can become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime.  The following tips can help you be more careful, prepared and aware during the holiday season:

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

This article and more appear in the new November issue of The Crier, now available for download!

Submitted by,
Greta Nelson

We Need Some Help Doing the Dishes

Boulevard Lane neighbors, your board needs some help getting the dishes done. We are looking for a person(s) to distribute the Crier to the delivery volunteers and we need additional volunteers to walk up the drive way and deliver the Crier. A new VP for Programs is also needed as Don Geyer is stepping down. Not a lot of time is required for these positions.

The Crier distributor would receive the Criers after printing and then distribute the bundles to the delivery volunteers. This only happens 6 times a year. The delivery volunteers, after getting the Criers from the distributor, are the ones who take the Crier to our neighbors front door; 6 times a year. Each route has around 20 homes, so thirty minutes every other month to help keep our neighbors informed about what is happening in Boulevard Lane. There are a couple of routes that need volunteers now and we would like have a fill-in list.

Your board has worked hard to develop various means of communicating with the neighborhood via web site (www.boulevardlane.org), blog (www.ourboulevardlane.blogspot.com), and facebook (www.facebook.com/BoulevardLane), in addition to the Crier. However, the Crier is still the primary vehicle for communicating with the neighborhood and it is vital that the distribution of it is maintained.

After several years of service to our neighborhood as VP, Programs, Don Geyer is stepping down. Don has been vital in helping the board develop new ways of communicating with our neighbors, among other things, and will be missed. So, a replacement is needed. This position helps coordinate the various activities that happen during the year and works closely with the VP, Community Development. There are 11 monthly board meetings (we take August off) and 2 general meetings.

The vitality of our community association relies on all of us pitching in every now and then to wash a plate or two. If you are interested in helping your BLCA board “do the dishes” contact any one of us on the board and we will be able answer any questions you might have. Thank you for your consideration.

Rob North
President

Crier Delivery & Distribution Needed

URGENT NEED FOR CRIER DELIVERY & DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS
The Boulevard Lane Community Association is seeking volunteers for Crier delivery and distribution.  Two routes are currently open - routes 4 & 6.  See the distribution map here.  The BLCA is also seeking a replacement distribution person (the Criers would be delivered to the distribution person, who would then sort the Criers by route and distribute to all of the route delivery volunteers in the neighborhood).  And as always, we have an ongoing need for backup volunteers to cover delivery routes whenever there is a need for backup coverage (vacations, illness, surgery, etc.).  Please contact Greta Nelson, Crier Editor, at crier@boulevardlane.org or (425) 330-4441 to volunteer or learn more.

National Night Out 2014

National Night Out 2014

What a great National Night Out this year, thanks for all who attended!!

This year we met new neighbors, had special guests like Renton Fire Department, King County Sheriff and the coolest of the evening was the fly over from Guardian One helicopter!!!!

Everyone was able to look at the fire trucks, aid car, and sheriff cars.  The Fire Dept. hooked up the hose to the hydrant and let anyone turn the hose on and knock over a cone in the street, so much fun!

Deanne and Jay, Thanks for opening up your house for the party and Rob thanks for manning the grill!!!
Thanks to all who came and made this great!!! I am ready to start planning for next year!!!

Submitted by Andrea Upton, VP - Community Development.

Welcome Back, Greta Nelson!

We are excited to announce that Greta Nelson is returning to her former role as Crier Editor for Boulevard Lane!  This is excellent news for our Boulevard Lane community.  Publication and distribution was inconsistent in recent times due to unforeseen circumstances.  We look forward to Greta getting The Crier back on track with regular publishing in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November.

If you have any stories or news you would like to share, please contact Greta at crier@boulevardlane.org.

We are also always looking for volunteers to help with Crier delivery.  Please contact Greta if you are interested.

The July edition of The Crier, Greta's first issue since returning, is available for download at our website.

Welcome back, Greta!

Dumpster Day, June 14th!

Over the years we have seen a huge success with Dumpster Day, we are excited to announce this year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 14th from 8:30 to 3pm.

We will have one large dumpsters located near the four-way stop at 129th place SE and SE 188th street during the time listed above along with a BLCA representative.

The prices are as follows:
BLCA Members/Non Member...s Pricing
Size Vehicle:
$10 / $15 Small = Car
$15 / $20 Medium = SUV / Mini Van
$20 / $25 Pick-Up Truck* / Trailer

*Standard pick-up trucks only, no moving trucks or moving vans. Prices are per load. Limit two per household. Restrictions and accessibility are at the discretion of the BLCA on-site representatives.
Due to restrictions the following items are not allowed: paint, pesticides, oil, fuel, auto products, tires, light bulbs, computers, TV’s, appliances, hazardous waste, water heaters, lumber, carpet, construction materials. Large furniture items must be broken down prior to being accepted.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me!

 

Andrea Upton

VP, Community Developement

Boulevard Lane Garage Sale, June 6th - 8th.

It's time once again for the Boulevard Lane Garage Sale!  This year's Garage Sale will take place June 6th thru 8th. 

We will be advertising it heavy again this year, including Craigslist, Seattle Times, Renton Patch, Fairwood Community News, and more! 

If you will be participating and wish to have you house listed on our map, which will be made available at the entryway, please contact me ASAP.  Deadline for getting on the map is noon Thursday, June 5th.  Don't forget!

We hope to build on the success of last year!

Don Geyer
VP, Programs

Boulevard Lane's Soos Creek Walk/Run/Wheel, June 1st!

Hey everyone, mark your calendars the Boulevard Lane's 2014 Soos Creek Walk/Run/Wheel!  That's right, "WHEEL" has been added to the name for even more diversity and fun!  Bikes, trikes, strollers, skateboards, skates - they're all game!

The event will be this coming Sunday, June 1st, from 9:00 am to noon.  We will have cold refreshments and snacks - free to all Boulevard Lane members and guests.  That's right, bring a guest!

This will be our third year of doing this event, and the first two years were a lot of fun.  It's so great to meet other people in our  community that enjoy the trail too, weather it is walking, jogging, biking, or whatever.  You've probably passed them many times throughout the year without even realizing they were your neighbor!

I will be set up at the intersection of the parking lot entrance and the Meeker Middle School entrance.  Look for the balloons and canopy - you won't be able to miss it!

I look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Don Geyer
VP, Programs

Bark Day - May 17th!

Ozzie's favorite community event is coming up - BARK Day!  Mark your calendars for May 17th, but don't wait that long to order!  We are accepting orders immediately!

Spring is here and once again the BLCA is happy to sponsor the very popular Bark Day where residents can have bark delivered to their homes in quantities from 1 to 5 cubic yards.

PRICING:

BLCA members: $18/yard for first two, and $23/yard each additional.  Non-members: $28/yard (LIMIT two yards).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity that only comes once a year!  Requests must be made and paid for in advance. Space is limited. If you are interested in ordering bark, please make your request no later than 5pm on May  15th, 2013.

Contact Andrea Upton, VP of Community Development by phone at (425) 226-9620 or email your order to info@boulevardlane.org

Please provide the following when you email or call to include your name, address, yards of bark and location of where you want bark delivered.

A New Website and New Direction for Boulevard Lane

Don Geyer

I am proud to announce that the NEW Boulevard Lane website is up!  This project has been in the works for some time now, with the goal of relieving Sarah, our former web designer, of the task.  Sarah moved away from Boulevard Lane several years ago and has many other projects keeping her busy now.  This also puts BLCA directly in control of the site's design, content, and updates.

The web site is not completely finished.  We will be making present and recent Criers available for download in PDF format soon, while older Criers will be available upon request (subject to availability).  The archive of old Criers were just taking up too much server space, costing us money. 

There will likely be other small changes as well as we move ahead, including updates to the Information Links page.

I'm really excited about this new direction, and hope you will take a moment to check the new site out.  The web address remains the same - www.boulevardlane.org.

As always, your feedback is welcome.

Don Geyer - VP, Programs

Soos Creek Trail Project Update

The Soos Creek Trail expansion project is moving forward!  As you may know, the trail has been constructed in phases, with the eventual goal of extending it all the way to intersect with the Cedar River Trail - an exciting 11 mile trail in total length, with opportunities to make your outing even longer!

I recently contacted Mr. Karan Soi, the Capital Project Manager for this project, and asked him for a status update on this much anticipated expansion.

"The budgets to complete the design and construction documents for the  Soos Creek Trail  Segment 1 (  SE 192nd. Street to SE Petrovitsky Road)  were approved in the 2014 budget . We are currently in the process of signing the contract with our Consultants to complete the  segment 1 design from 60% to 100% Construction Documents including all the permitting approvals . The bidding  and construction of the project will take place in early 2015 contingent upon the approval of the construction funds for the Segment 1 in the 2015 Budget by the King County Council ."

The picture above shows a breakdown of how the remaining segments are divided.  Be sure to click on it to see the larger version.

And what about the rest of the segments?  Soi explained, "Design and construction of the remaining segments 2,3 & 4 ( see attached )  will be completed depending upon the priority and availability of budgets  in the coming years."

This is excellent news, and even more reason to celebrate during our upcoming Soos Creek Walk/Run in June!

Don Geyer - VP, Programs

A Message from the President Rob North:

Boulevard Lane Neighbors

All of you have received this years membership form and I encourage all residents of Boulevard Lane to join. I would like to, on behalf of the BLCA board, personally thank all of our neighbors who have already joined for 2014. THANK YOU!

As you have noticed dues increased this year to $30, after being $25 for several years. As a courtesy, I want to explain why dues have been increased. First, postage has been rising steadily as have other costs that we have no control over. Secondly, the BLCA board is focused on the appearance and maintenance of our entry. The entry is our collective front door and reflects the pride we have in our neighborhood.

Several years ago Bud Battle, during his time as President, led the effort to replace our entry signs, the signs at the entrance now are the results of that effort – they are treasures. However, the signs need periodic maintenance. The dues increase will allow us to begin accruing a maintenance fund for each sign that will allow future BLCA boards to maintain the signs on a schedule.

Trees – they grow. As the entry signs need upkeep, so do the trees at the entry. Your BLCA board is also planning on accruing funds to maintain the trees at the entry on a schedule.

In addition to what I have described above your dues will continue to support the events that we have come to expect each year: The Easter Egg Hunt, The Garage Sale, Bark Day, Soos Creek Fun Run/Walk, and Dumpster Day to name a few.

I encourage all residents of Boulevard Lane to join the association. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Rob North

President, BLCA

The 12th Man in Boulevard Lane Cheers Their Seahawks to Super Bowl Victory!

Wow!  What a turnout!  As I came around the corner with my family, I could not believe my eyes - the street was lined with people on both sides chanting, "Go Hawks!"

Yes, the Boulevard Lane 12th Man turned out in numbers to raise the 12th Man flag before Super Bowl XLVIII, and it appears there may be a correlation between the size of the Boulevard Lane turnout and the margin of victory for our beloved Seahawks!

We estimate over 70 people showed up to raise the flag on Super Bowl Sunday, far surpassing any previous turnout.  Again, Wow!  And we would like to offer a special Thank You to the Schutters for handing out complimentary "12" signs to all the kids - awesome!

As we know, the Seahawks went on to completely dominate the game with a 43-8 victory, becoming Super Bowl champions and finding themselves being compared to some of the greatest defenses of all time. 

Thank you to all the Boulevard Lane 12s that turned out yesterday.  Be proud and know that your spirit is no secret to the greater Fairwood area.  That's right - you've made the news!The bench mark has been set!

The season is now over, though the celebrating will last throughout the off-season.  We look forward to seeing all you 12s again next season to continue the tradition!

GO HAWKS!

Go Hawks! And A Special 'Thank You' To Our Boulevard Lane Community!

 

What a season for our beloved Hawks, huh?  Of course, this crazy season is going to come to a climactic end on Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII as the Seahawks take on the Denver Broncos in Met Life Stadium in New Jersey.  It is going to be an exciting game!

Andrea Upton, our VP-Programs has made the season even more fun for us here in Boulevard Lane.  Every game day she has held a 12th Man flag raising at our entrance, and invited all to come.  Typically, this occurred two hours before each game, and ended with a "GO HAWKS!" cheer.

This event took place for every single game throughout the season.  And in the rare occasion that Andrea couldn't make it, she passed the flag on to me and made me promise I would not let her down.  I didn't!

With the Super Bowl only a couple days away, I would like to thank Andrea for starting this fun tradition for our community.  More importantly, I would like to thank all the residents of Boulevard Lane that have taken time to join us, even for a single flag raising.  It has meant a lot to us!

But we are not done yet.  No siree!  This Sunday is the game our Seahawks have been playing for since August, and training for since last spring.  This is for all the marbles and we need your help!  Please join us in our final flag raising of the season and give our team one last "GO HAWKS!"  We will be meeting at the entryway at 2:00. 

Finally, I would like to share images taken of the 12th Man flag raising from throughout the season.  We had many regulars, including a superstitious neighbor who believed not attending would bring bad luck, and would call ahead if he was going to be late!  We also had many who, due to busy schedules, could only attend here and there.  They were still important!

Oh, did I say finally?  Oops!  I forgot our four legged friends!  Olive and Ozzie were an important part of our mornings, and there were others.  Feel free to remind me of their names in the comments section below!

Again, thanks to ALL!  I hope to see a CROWD of MASS PROPORTIONS on Sunday!  GO HAWKS!!

Don Geyer