Looking for a high-quality, play-based program for your three to five-year-old? Whittier Kids Preschool is now enrolling for the 2021-22 school year. 2021 Whittier Kids is located in Whittier Elementary School, and the weekday schooling runs from 8 am to 2 pm. Program Highlights include:

• School year program from Sept-June, 8 am-2 pm onsite at Whittier Elementary, follows the Seattle Public Schools calendar
• Our classroom is a mixed-age class of 3-5-year-olds. Children must be fully potty-trained
• Low staff to child ratio
• Schedule options are: Monday-Friday, Monday/Wednesday/Friday,  or Tuesday/Thursday
• Participant in Washington Early Achievers Program
• 2021-22 Program Info including, sample schedule, calendar and fees

The Whittier Kids Preschool program is currently closed through the end of the current school year (June 2021) as they are still providing onsite care to Elementary aged students during their remote school day. Whittier is planning to re-open their in-person preschool in September 2021 for the 2021-22 school year and will begin enrolling in early Spring 2021 off of their waitlist. If you’d like to add your child to the current waitlist, please submit a Preschool Waitlist Form by email: whittierkids@phinneycenter.org.

Tours are typically offered the 2nd Wednesday of every month, but during Covid they are not offering these regular monthly group tours. Whittier is happy to schedule individual tours to fill current openings. Please email lorie@phinneycenter.org to sign up for a tour and get more information.

2020’s Art Sale & Stroll was such a smash hit, so the Phinney Neighborhood Association decided to do another one. This neighborhood event is an opportunity for artists, crafters, and makers to display their wares for gazing and purchase, and a chance for appreciators to collect some new art, jewelry, or other handmade treasures.

Using a Google map as your guide, take a stroll or drive around PhinneyWood and visit yards on Saturday, June 12 from 12-4pm (masks and 6-feet physical distancing required). Contactless payment is highly encouraged, so get your PayPal and Venmo accounts ready. A link to the map and participating artists will be on the event website in the weeks leading up to the stroll.

Artists & makers click here to register to participate, with the deadline to sign up is Friday, June 4. The cost is $20 to be listed on the map and $50 for a space in the Phinney Center lower parking lot (limited availability – so reserve yours now).

There is a DIY tool the PNA has created to match artists without outdoor spaces with neighborhood residents with yards or driveways that would enjoy hosting them. Follow this link to access the tool and follow the directions.

The PNA would also love to have artists and makers aware of their email list for their annual Winter Festival & Crafts Fair, for which all PNW makers are invited to apply. If you’d like to get on the list to be informed of the next one (which may or may not happen virtually this year; the PNA is working on that), please email Jessie at jessieh@phinneycenter.org.

The Greenwood Senior Center is hosting an online Medical Marijuana and Seniors Talk this Monday, April 12. Dr. Katrina Iiams-Hauser will discuss medicinal uses for marijuana, with an emphasis on senior care. Get your questions answered about how marijuana relates to a variety of ailments, therapy methods, interactions and whether it is a good fit for you.

Dr. Iiams-Hauser is a Washington-licensed naturopathic physician and graduate of Bastyr University. Her interest in the healing power of nature was established in the lab, where she researched the immunological effects of medicinal plants. She practices in Fife, WA at Qwibil, a specialty, medical cannabis-focused clinic owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.

Medical Marijuana and Seniors Talk
Monday April 12, 1 – 2pm
RSVP: arielb@phinneycenter.org

Yonder Cider, which has had quite a couple months in briefly closing and then re-opening their neighborhood bar, has created a fun collaboration with Phinneywood and Ken’s Market.

Per Ken’s: We are very excited to announce our collaboration cider with Yonder Cider! Named for the beloved neighborhood that we both call home “Phinneywood”. This cider features bright lemon and a hint of strawberry with subtle notes of basil creating a cider that tastes just as bright and sunny as spring! Come by and grab some while supplies last.

Per Yonder: Named after our two neighborhoods, Phinney Ridge and Greenwood, Phinneywood is a dedication to this amazing place we call home. Ken’s Market, located just four blocks from Yonder Bar, has been our top account and biggest supporter from the very beginning. We can’t thank them and our Phinneywood neighbors enough for their ongoing support of @yondercider. Pick up your four-pack at any location while supplies last!

Calling all new PhinneyWood pets!

Did you welcome a new furry, feathered, or scaly friend into your home in the past year? Do you live in Phinney Ridge or Greenwood? The folks at our partner publication, The Review newspaper, would love to hear from you! They are writing an article about PhinneyWood pets who were adopted or acquired during the pandemic, and they would love for you to take a 5-minute survey about your new family member. There’s even an option to upload a photo of your pet, which mean you could see your new pal in print!

If you’d like to help out, please go to https://bit.ly/pw-pets to take the survey by Thursday, April 15.

Look for the article in the summer issue of The Review, which will be out the first week of June (watch your snail mail if you live in the neighborhood, your email if you subscribe, PNA’s social media, and website).

The PNA Village Program‘s purpose is to create a strong and active intergenerational community that re-imagines aging by offering elders opportunities combined with support to fully engage in this next phase of life. The Village provides a network of support including volunteer services, trusted business referrals, and social engagement. This framework empowers people to remain in the homes and neighborhoods they love while staying active and engaged as they age.

The Village is now hiring for a Program Assistant to work closely with individual members to understand their unique set of needs and ways they can engage with the program and community at large. The Program Assistant will also provide administrative support to the overall program including data entry, tracking member requests, and event planning. To learn more about the position and how to apply, view the full job posting here.

Mark your calendars and pack your bags, it’s time to take a (virtual) vacation on Saturday, May 8 from 6-7 pm via Zoom. The PNA’s annual neighborhood party will be a fun evening awaiting you with familiar faces, prizes, and a chance to see the PNA’s mission in action.

It wouldn’t be a PNA party without a theme and costumes, so set your Zoom background to a place you’ve been dreaming of and dress up for your adventure. We will also explore some of the gems hidden in our own backyard. It’s free to join the trip – you’ll have the opportunity to support the PNA along the way if you’re so inspired. You can reserve you ticket here.

Enjoying local culinary delights is one of the best parts of traveling! Lucky for you, the PNA is partnering with restaurants inspired by destinations near and far. Support PhinneyWood businesses and the PNA by ordering special take-out to enjoy during the event. See the list of restaurants and special meal packages here. Quantities are limited!

So, order a delicious meal, get those travel outfits and Zoom backgrounds ready, and RSVP for a delightful hour-long opportunity to support the PNA’s important work for the community.

Tired of renting? Come to a free Homebuyer Education Class taught by Phinney Ridge realtor Kristen Adams, from Blue Star Group and lender Tony Veliz from Caliber Homes, with Guest Speaker Mark Despain. Classes will take place on Monday 4/5 from 5 – 8pm, and Wednesday 4/7, from 5-7pm. 

This class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC). Covered will be the entire home-buying process to educate, inform, and empower those looking to purchase a home. Successful completion of the course entitles you to a certificate which qualifies you for certain Homebuyer Assistance programs, including down payment support through the WSHFC.

The class will be held online via Google Meets and the event link will be emailed to you after registration.  

RSVP to secure your spot today.

If you have any questions, contact Kristen at (206) 940-6771 or kristenadams@windermere.com.

Photo by Birgit Loit