The Highs and Lows
A DAY FULL HIGHS FOR MADISON PARK
On May 18th, in spite of some downpours, intermittent sun and sprinkles- the Madison Park Garden Tour was attended by over 300 people!!! Thank goodness for Seattle hardy stock. The 15 gardens on the tour offered a variety of gardening styles, inventive use of outdoor spaces, and beautiful plantings. Thanks so much to the gracious homeowners who opened their gardens, welcomed all visitors, offered plant advice, history and sometimes bee hives, and mimosas. Thanks also to our many volunteers who made this day possible. Here are a few pictures of a day of smiling faces and inviting spaces.
Scott and Julie Pattinson’s gorgeous back yard.
Carlo and Eulalie Scandiuzzi’s oasis.
Joe and Franz Diessner’s gorgeous hosts and vines.
Check in station with volunteers Anita Carmin and Karin Schneider
Bill and Laurie Barrett’s enchanting garden.
POSSIBLE LOW FOR MADISON PARK
MCGILVRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEEDS OUR HELP
Last week, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) announced they may close 20 elementary schools starting in 2025. Given the criteria announced, there is a strong possibility that McGilvra Elementary could close. This would be a huge loss for our community and the city. McGilvra has a 100 year history as a community landmark and recently underwent a $9 million dollar capital improvement including a new field, seismic safety updates, and a beautiful cafeteria/auditorium building. The loss of McGilvra would leave a huge hole in our community.
HOW CAN YOU HELP???
Attend the District’s community outreach meeting this Saturday May 25th at Garfield High School from 10:30 AM to noon. Wear your McGilvra gear, and we will bring extra McGilvra t-shirts for attendees to wear. RSVP and in the questions/comments section, let them know you want McGilvra to stay open and that you don’t believe closing schools helps students or solves our budget deficit problem (see articles linked here to learn more).
Use the PTA’s template and send a letter ASAP to Bev Redmond, Chief of Staff, Seattle Public Schools (publicaffairs@seattleschools.org) and our SPS board member Michell Sarju (michelle.sarju@seattleschools.org). Letters to the editor, calls to SPS, and other outreach is also welcome!
More ways you can help are HERE
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
BOOKKEEPER- Volunteer to help our treasurer with ledger entries for events and our financials. 1 hour/month
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & EFFICIENCY MANAGER— Are you organized and good at solving problems? We are looking for a volunteer to help us work more smoothly by finding ways to automate some of our duties (e.g. automatically sending emails with tax deductible donation information to donors after donations are made online; integrating apps with our systems. 1-2 hrs./ month.
NEIGHBORHOOD PHOTOGRAPHER- Do you love to take photos? Have people said you have a “good eye” for design or art? We are looking for someone to photograph our neighborhood and events so we can share them on our website, social media, and to promote them for future years. 30 minutes/ month.
DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING ASSISTANCE- Do you have a background in development or marketing for a company or organization? Our Development Committee needs volunteers to help guide and implement our subscriptions and outreach to our community. 1-2 hour/month.
FOR ANY OF THESE VOLUNTEER NEEDS, PLEASE REACH OUT HERE.
The Madison Park Times will now be available only through subscriptions and home delivery- no longer in the periodical bins.. If you want to keep the newspaper afloat and keep up with our local events, please subscribe HERE.
