November 16, 2016 The Skanner Page 5
News
Events & Announcements
Community
Calendar 2016
cont’d from pg 4
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER: Genesis Community Fellowship is
hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner. If you know someone that
would benefit from a warm meal, please bring them along. The
Thanksgiving Feast will take place the night before Thanksgiv-
ing. 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Gensis is located at NE 27th & Killing-
sworth St.
PHOTO BY SUSAN FRIED
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Southeast Economic Opportunity Center
Uche Okezie, director of Real Estate Development at Homesite, writes down ideas during small group discussions at the Southeast
Economic Opportunity Center Community Meeting Nov. 12 at the New Holly Gathering Hall. The Southeast Economic Opportunity Center
would include business, employment, housing and education and support services at a single location next to the Othello Transit
Station.  The meeting followed an open house for the Othello and Rainier Community where neighbors could get information on youth
and family services, employment, starting a small business and help in signing up for health insurance.
Briefs cont’d from pg 4
tributions and  can  enjoy tax-free growth opportu-
nity as well as tax-free withdrawals when funds are
used for qualified higher education expenses (limita-
tions apply).
Account funds may be used to cover college expens-
es like tuition, fees, books,  computers and certain
housing expenses at any  accredited college, univer-
sity or technical school in the U.S. and some abroad.
Seattle News Briefs
King County Council Approves $11.4
Billion Budget
The Metropolitan King County Council today gave
its unanimous approval to a King County Budget that
will lead to immediate, new investments in combat-
ing homelessness and improving public safety.
The Council aggressively sought to create and fund
new, crucial initiatives through a mixture of strategic
reforms, prioritization of funds, and innovative ap-
proaches to revenue.
Among the top initiatives included in the $11.4 Bil-
lion package are the creation of a new homelessness
navigation center on county-owned property, resto-
ration of funding for vital regional services like the
Sheriff ’s helicopter and marine units, and expansion
of transit service throughout King County.
The Council renewed the County’s commitment
to public safety in this budget by restoring planned
reductions in the King County Sheriff ’s Office, in-
cluding the reduction of the Air Support and Marine
Units, along with increasing the number of deputies
serving the unincorporated areas.
This budget also restores bookings at the Regional
Justice Center and provides additional resources for
public defense and the King County Prosecutor.
In 2015, King County declared an emergency in
regards to homelessness. The adopted budget com-
mits the County—by itself and in partnerships with
local governments and agencies—with new invest-
ments in shelters and comprehensive services to help
keep   homeless individuals and families safe while
helping them overcome barriers to  securing perma-
nent housing. The initiatives include:
• Development and operation of a twenty-four hour
a day/seven day a week emergency shelter on Coun-
ty-owned property across from the Courthouse or
another suitable location. The emergency shelter
will include day-center services, storage lockers
and on-site supportive services and will investigate
the installation of showers and laundry facilities;
• Development and operation of shelter and housing
services at Harborview Hall on Seattle’s First Hill;
• Investment in local partnerships to create pro-
grams to assist homeless in cities outside of Seattle.
A growing population needs expanded transporta-
tion options to get people to work, school and activi-
ties.
This adopted budget includes 300,000 new service
hours for Metro Transit, increasing alternative tran-
sit services and right-size service options, and a focus
on making the transit system “cleaner and greener”
through the expansion of Metro’s electric bus fleet.
The Council also worked toward making Metro
more accessible to low-income riders by making
more affordable the current discounted ticket pro-
gram available for purchase by nonprofit agencies
and including funds to waive the current fees for new
ORCA cards and Regional Reduced Fare permits, fol-
lowing a study.
Along with being the regional government for over
2,000,000 citizens, King County is the “local govern-
ment” for more than 250,000 residents living in the
County’s unincorporated communities.
Along with the increase in sheriff deputies, the ad-
opted budget recognizes the County’s unique role by
increasing funds to the roads division to help main-
tain and repair the County road system, with an addi-
tional $4 million for roads maintenance.
Metro Releases Statement on
Harassment
On Tuesday Rob Gannon, Metro Transit General
Manager issued the following statement:
“In this moment of change and transition, County
Executive Constantine has reaffirmed our values and
principles.  King County is a place that values wom-
en, people of color, people with disabilities, people
with diverse sexual orientations and gender identi-
ties, immigrants and refugees, and people of every
religion, or of no religion.
“In the delivery of our service to the public, Metro
Transit does not tolerate harassment of any kind.  The
vehicles we operate will remain safe places for our
passengers.   Acts of harassment on our buses or at
our shelters violate Metro Transit’s commitment
to inclusion for all in our community and our rider
Code of Conduct.  Should they occur, we ask people
to report them to our employees or call 911 if law en-
forcement is needed immediately.
“We will take enforcement actions against violators
of this code.  And we are reminding operators of our
procedures for addressing violations of the code of
conduct aboard their coaches.
“King County is a growing community rich in diver-
sity and is one of the world’s great metropolitan ar-
eas.  Metro demonstrates our contribution by provid-
ing the best service possible, safely and with respect
given to all our customers.  We ask all our riders to
join in that commitment.
“Ride safe, and help us keep our system safe for ev-
eryone.”
32ND ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: The day after Thanks-
giving thousands pf Portlanders will gather at the square to cel-
ebrate the lighting of the spectacular 75ft Douglas Fir Tree. Fes-
tivities include a holiday sing-a-long with Thomas Lauderdale
and members of Pink Martini, The NW Community Gospel Choir,
Pacific Youth Choir and friends. 5:30 p.m., Pioneer Courthouse
Square, 555 SW. Yamhill Ave.
MY MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE: 29th Annual My Macy’s Holiday
Parade. This year’s parade features 25 inflatable floats, local
middle and high school marching bands, nearly 650 costumed
characters and community drill teams, and the one and only
SANTA. Parade begins at 9th Ave. and w. Burnside then travels
the downtown streets Stark, Broadway, Alder and 4th, 5th, and
6th. Parade starts at 10 a.m.
Seattle Metro
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
THANKSGIVING FREINDSHIP LUNCHEON: You are invited to dine
with us and other community members as we give thanks and
celebrate friendship. Turkey, with all the fixings. Some vegetar-
ian and gluten-free options also available. $6 for adults, $4 for
children. Noon – 2 p.m., Wallingford Community Senior Center,
4649 Sunnyside Ave. N.
FRIDAY – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 – 19
EVERGREEN HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Two day craft fair both days
open at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 25 crafters, American doll clothes,
wood crafted items, quilted, fabric, knit and crochet items, hol-
iday wreaths and much more. Evergreen Heath Galleria, 12040
NE 128th St., Kirkland.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19
SILVER BELLS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: This is an annual holiday ba-
zaar supporting local businesses and animal shelter/rescue. We
will have over 50+ vendors, espresso, face painting, and magic
show. Admission is free with one quality pet food item (can or
bag) for donation to our local animal shelter! 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.,
Station House 726, 427 N. Meridian St., Puyallup.
HUGE 7TH ANNUAL PRE-BLACK FRIDAY HOLIDAY BAZAAR – SPON-
SORED BY KEY BANK: Bring your family and friends for a fun –
filled day of free door prizes, raffles and quality vendors – many
with special pricing for this event. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Renton Tech-
nical College, 3000 NE 4th St., Renton.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20
SEWARD PARK AUDUBON CENTER ANNUAL NATIVE BOOK AND
GIFT FAIR: Come shop a unique selection of locally-made and
sustainable items, toys and outdoor adventure and nature
books for both children and adults. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Seward Park
Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
HOLIDAY STAR LIGHTING CEREMONY: The Macy’s Holiday Star cel-
ebrates its diamond anniversary. The star lighting happens in
conjunction with the annual lighting of Westlake Center’s tree
and the Downtown Seattle Assoc. carousel at Westlake Park at
5 p.m. Also included is a firework display (weather permitting).
5 p.m. – 6 p.m., Westlake Plaza, 4th & Pine in downtown Seattle.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
SANTA BREAKFAST: Enjoy pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage,
juice, coffee or tea. Visit with Santa. Every child receives a can-
dy cane, raffle of wreaths and other gift items. Please being a
can of food to donate. Adults $6, children $4, children under 12
eat free. 8 a.m. – noon., Port Orchard Marina Park, 707 Sidney
Pkwy, Port Orchard.
SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE: “HUGO”: Come and join us for an af-
ternoon showing of “Hugo.” Please come early to make sure you
get a great seat. This is a free library event. The library will pro-
vide all the popcorn. 2 p.m. – 4:05 p.m., Magnolia Branch Library,
meeting room, 2801 34th Ave. W. Seattle.