Hi Great Lake Neighbors (aka: Lake Peeps…)
Our January meeting kicked us off in the right way. Everyone present signed up for something big or small (we are making that a practice each time) before March 29th (our next meeting). I ask every email recipient to this letter to do the same – so if you come to a meeting or if you can’t make it, you still can commit to do at least one thing in between meetings to make a positive effect on our home. Whether it is picking up litter, volunteering in our neighborhood, buying sandwiches for homeless people who live here, volunteering to help out at the New Parkway (see below for one neighbor’s update) or whatever your mind can find to do.
If you want to go bigger then you can take on one of our bigger roles and spearhead something we all want to have steady progress on…or you can join one already in action that can use support. Everyone is so busy, support is always welcome to join into an already existing team.
Please write and share what you are signing on to before the next meeting so we can all know and feel more solidarity and momentum – I will likely keep this stuff anonymous because people feel differently about names out and we are getting big enough to keep mindful of that.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE MEETING:
The subject of outreach to neighbors who don’t use computers/I’net is up again as it should be…we do need some dedicated people to take this on. Kathleen Prevost brought the idea of a flyer and also a newsletter. She is interested in pulling together the newsletter for our area and there was discussion about making doorknob flyers or flyers to hand out (say at Lucky’s, etc.) or finding a dedicated bulletin board that could be maintained somewhere, high-traffic & visible. If anyone has any feedback, ideas or wants to get involved in developing that PLEASE write and we can get that ball rolling.
We dedicated a lot of this meeting to events & Betsy (who heads the events crew – you get emails from her regularly) started a vision for our events this year and they are already off and running on them now. This Sunday (tomorrow) is our annual pancake outdoor (in the street/sidewalk) breakfast for everyone. I will re-attach the flyer if you want to see that. We have something going every month, so keep track of your emails to make sure you get to every event you can. If you have ideas, write me and I can get you tied into that scene, it is a lot of fun. Hopefully we can get a rough calendar out for the year so people can plan ahead. Keep an eye out in your email from Betsy about upcoming stuff.
Neighbor Gene H told the group about signing up to speak in the open forum the Friday before the Tuesday City Council meeting if what you have to address is not an agenized item.
Devin, who signed onto getting us all twitter established for emergency messages, etc., nailed a lot of it down while in the meeting. We are talking about using it with different categories that people can sign up for or not, ie: event alerts, in-process crimes, etc. More on that soon, please give feedback and ideas and if you are interested in getting that established.
I really liked a quote that Gene H gave us that completely applies to our everyone-get-involved-and-do-something-big-or-small strategy. It is:
"Every contribution is 100% of the whole"
I hope I got that right. Basically, what we mean to say is that no matter what you do and how you pitch in it is important, needed and valuable.
Thank you Regen for allowing us use of their great space for our meetings this year.
Okay, that is all for the moment…keep your eye on the website (http://www.lakeneighbors.org/) and see you all a lot at the events & meetings (and also via email). See writing by neighbor Laura J below re: New Parkway. Our meetings calendar follows that. The pancake breakfast info for this Sunday follows that (if it rains, they will move it inside).
MUCH Friendship,
Sasha
From Laura J about the last Art Murmur that included the New Parkway…
The evening was a huge success. Art Murmur was hopping and The New Parkway Building was packed. We think between 3,000 and 5,000 people came through. I was at the popcorn stand trying to make enough popcorn for every single one of them so I can't begin to tell you what else was going on. All I know is that a lot of the people in the popcorn line knew about the New Parkway, and even more were just flowing through, following the crowds and having a fine time. It gave all of us Parkway supporters a big lift to see we'll be a part of such a thriving neighborhood. And the Lake Neighbors were out in force!Laura
Lake Neighbors Meetings 2012
Location: Regeneration Church, 238 E 15th St @ corner of E 15th St and 3rd ALL Thursdays (dinner included):
March 29 - 6:30 to 8:30pm (Regeneration Church, Chapel room)
May 24 - 6:30 to 8:30pm (Regeneration Church, Chapel room)
July 26 - 6:30 to 8:30pm (Regeneration Church, Chapel room)
Sept. 27 - 6:30 to 8:30pm (Regeneration Church, Chapel room)
Nov. 15 - 6:30 to 8:30pm (Regeneration Church, Chapel room)
Our neighbors over at East 19th St. and 11th Ave are inviting everyone to an outdoor pancake breakfast!
When: Sunday, Feb 12, 11amWhere: On the sidewalk, E. 19th St & 11th AveWhat: Breakfast! Pancakes, frittatas, coffee, and more treats, including some glutten free goodies
Hosted by: Debra, Marcy, Jay, Christina, Denise, Laura and Andy
The hosts suggest that you bring a little something to share, like pancake toppings or something for the grill. Please come sit, chat with your neighbors and enjoy some good eats. IF IT RAINS, THEY WILL MOVE IT INSIDE! : )
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Valentine's Day Pancake breakfast
Our neighbors over at East 19th St. and 11th Ave are inviting everyone to an outdoor pancake breakfast!
When: Sunday, Feb 12, 11amWhere: On the sidewalk, E. 19th St & 11th Ave
What: Breakfast! Pancakes, frittatas, coffee, and more treats, including some glutten free goodies
Hosted by: Debra, Marcy, Jay, Christina, Denise, Laura and Andy
The hosts suggest that you bring a little something to share, like pancake toppings or something for the grill. Please come sit, chat with your neighbors and enjoy some good eats.
Much love!
Betsy and the Lake Neighbors
When: Sunday, Feb 12, 11amWhere: On the sidewalk, E. 19th St & 11th Ave
What: Breakfast! Pancakes, frittatas, coffee, and more treats, including some glutten free goodies
Hosted by: Debra, Marcy, Jay, Christina, Denise, Laura and Andy
The hosts suggest that you bring a little something to share, like pancake toppings or something for the grill. Please come sit, chat with your neighbors and enjoy some good eats.
Much love!
Betsy and the Lake Neighbors
Monday, January 16, 2012
welcome 2012
HI LAKE NEIGHBORS!!!
Okay, so our new year begins…starting it off with a strong turnout for our annual progressive NY eve party going from house to house, which was really a blast and I think everyone was pretty much blown away by the great effort each host went to. If you didn’t make it this year – plan ahead for 2013 because it is a great experience to be with such warm, kind, fun people that you live beside. I brought some of my visiting family this year and they had a great time, too.
I know Betsy – who is on our event’s crew – has been trying to tie some of our 2012 events down before we meet for the first meeting of the year on January 26. We will try to have something each month (either a meeting or an event) and please feel VERY free to pitch any event you have in mind and we will do all we can to support it. We have around 330 Lake Neighbors gathered sofar that can get involved. More on that in the post-meeting email after 1/26.
This year we decided on 6 meetings in all. They are all Thursdays & are all from 6:30-8:30pm. They will include dinner. : )
In 2011 we met at the Recreation Center @ FM Smith Park (thank you Lois!!!) and it was great in a lot of ways, but we had some problem with noise levels. Prior to that we used to meet in houses and also at Regeneration Church. There were problems with changing locations for each meeting, so we now try for a consistent place each year.
There was talk about not meeting at a church because a few people may have a hesitancy for various personal reasons…BUT we are back again trying things out at Regeneration Church. I want to really encourage anyone who might have reservations about it, Lake Neighbors is not a group affiliated with any any business or center or church – we are only neighbors gathering. Regen is a very comfortable space – very welcoming – it is an old Julia Morgan building, which is interesting in and of itself.
Also…Regen is an amazing neighbor and has never said “no” to any ANY of our needs or requests no matter how odd. Personally, I really appreciate them because they really “walk the talk” – very humbly helping in every way they can and no recruitment – just unconditional respect and support. Please feel greatly welcomed and bring any and all your ideas and needs and concerns, etc. We focus on pro-active, solution focused, positive action oriented ways to continuously grow and improve things here. We are not bound by any area #’s – if you live near the lake, you are a Lake Neighbor.
E-participation – as always – is very much appreciated and encouraged…write in and be involved in that way if that is all you can get to right now. Doing all you can to show up is most important, but we all understand busy-ness & don’t believe in guilt…e-participate and contribute your voice. If you can get involved from home to make things happen & can’t make the meeting just write and offer your time, you are very much needed.
Keep an eye on the Website & your emails for upcoming events we will have and for other important neighborhood developments and news. We now have some new people contributing to our Google email abilities and also the website so you will see some changes and improvements there soon.
OKAY…that is it for the moment. MUCH MORE NEWS TO COME FOLLOWING OUR FIRST MEETING ON JANUARY 26…Hope to see everyone there!
Sasha
Okay, so our new year begins…starting it off with a strong turnout for our annual progressive NY eve party going from house to house, which was really a blast and I think everyone was pretty much blown away by the great effort each host went to. If you didn’t make it this year – plan ahead for 2013 because it is a great experience to be with such warm, kind, fun people that you live beside. I brought some of my visiting family this year and they had a great time, too.
I know Betsy – who is on our event’s crew – has been trying to tie some of our 2012 events down before we meet for the first meeting of the year on January 26. We will try to have something each month (either a meeting or an event) and please feel VERY free to pitch any event you have in mind and we will do all we can to support it. We have around 330 Lake Neighbors gathered sofar that can get involved. More on that in the post-meeting email after 1/26.
This year we decided on 6 meetings in all. They are all Thursdays & are all from 6:30-8:30pm. They will include dinner. : )
In 2011 we met at the Recreation Center @ FM Smith Park (thank you Lois!!!) and it was great in a lot of ways, but we had some problem with noise levels. Prior to that we used to meet in houses and also at Regeneration Church. There were problems with changing locations for each meeting, so we now try for a consistent place each year.
There was talk about not meeting at a church because a few people may have a hesitancy for various personal reasons…BUT we are back again trying things out at Regeneration Church. I want to really encourage anyone who might have reservations about it, Lake Neighbors is not a group affiliated with any any business or center or church – we are only neighbors gathering. Regen is a very comfortable space – very welcoming – it is an old Julia Morgan building, which is interesting in and of itself.
Also…Regen is an amazing neighbor and has never said “no” to any ANY of our needs or requests no matter how odd. Personally, I really appreciate them because they really “walk the talk” – very humbly helping in every way they can and no recruitment – just unconditional respect and support. Please feel greatly welcomed and bring any and all your ideas and needs and concerns, etc. We focus on pro-active, solution focused, positive action oriented ways to continuously grow and improve things here. We are not bound by any area #’s – if you live near the lake, you are a Lake Neighbor.
E-participation – as always – is very much appreciated and encouraged…write in and be involved in that way if that is all you can get to right now. Doing all you can to show up is most important, but we all understand busy-ness & don’t believe in guilt…e-participate and contribute your voice. If you can get involved from home to make things happen & can’t make the meeting just write and offer your time, you are very much needed.
Keep an eye on the Website & your emails for upcoming events we will have and for other important neighborhood developments and news. We now have some new people contributing to our Google email abilities and also the website so you will see some changes and improvements there soon.
OKAY…that is it for the moment. MUCH MORE NEWS TO COME FOLLOWING OUR FIRST MEETING ON JANUARY 26…Hope to see everyone there!
Sasha
Sunday, January 15, 2012
New Compost Bins at Funktown Farm
Greetings Gardeners & Composters!
(photoL-R: Devin, Skya & Jonno).
The new compost bins at Funk Town Farm are now COMPLETE and ready for your compost!! A HUGE thank you to my husband, Devin Martin, for the many Saturdays he devoted to this project, and much gratitude to the many others involved in design, construction and tool lending, we couldn't have done it without you!:
Laura Jerrard
Rico
Menyiu
Jess Steiler
Nico & Betsy Johnson
Andy Blackwood
Jonno Norton
Wanda
and others who contributed over the past 3 months and I'm sorry I can't remember all who lent a helping hand!
To point out some of the highlights, these bins:
Are OUTSIDE of the chicken coop (no combo lock once you're inside the garden, no slipping on the coop floor!)
Have lids to keep out excessive moisture in the rainy season
have doors for easier access
include a "turning bin" for easier and more frequent turning (let us know if you'd like to volunteer for a weekly turning shift!)
removable side panels to make it even easier to turn!!
We hope to make a brief instructional video in the coming weeks to demonstrate the use of some of these new features, but until then, please follow these basic guidelines:
Look for the sign with the arrow for "fill this side" and put your compost in that bin
Never fill the center "turning bin"
Absolutely NO PLASTIC!
NO animal products (crushed egg shells ok)
Easy-does-it with paper products (a napkin or two and coffee filters are ok, but no paper plates, food boxes, etc)
Easy-does-it with bread products (a slice or two is ok, but whole loaves promote too much mold and aren't good for the garden)
Close the door and put down the roof if you opened it.
If you have time, remove the wood slats, shovel the compost into the turning bin, shovel back into original bin and replace wood slats. You've just turned the compost!! It will become soil much faster now. Grab some produce from the garden, or take home some compost in exchange for this task :-)
Happy Composting!
Skya (a.k.a. Compost Queen)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
NEW YEARS EVE PROGRESSIVE DINNER
NEW YEARS EVE PROGRESSIVE DINNER
in The Lake NeighborhoodWatch for the Evite to RSVP!
Your are invited to join your neighbors for a Progressive Dinner in celebration of the New Year and our really cool neighborhood!
Four Lake Merritt Neighbors have offered their homes for celebration at different times throughout the evening. Join us at the first home for amazing cocktails by mixologist Kathleen and walk with us through a wandering meal of traditional (and international!) holiday fare.
Bring a dish or drink to one of the homes we visit and help feed your neighbors, too!
The schedule of the evening is:
6pm-8pm Kathleen's Apartment
Address: 1637 5th Ave
Theme: Classy cocktails and yummy apps.Bring: Whisky, Rum, OJ or Cocktail Snacks
- walk three blocks to Ruby's House -
7:30-9:30pm Hosted by Ruby
Address: 2001 5th Ave
Phone: 510- 229-9984Theme: Feliz Ano Nuevo with Mexican Pozole, Fire Pit and Salsa Dancing!Bring: Tamales, Tortillas, Cerveza, Vino
- Walk six blocks to Skye and Devin's -
9pm-11pm Hosted by Skye and Devin
Address: 912 E. 18th St. @ 9th Ave
Phone: 510-928-7818
Theme: Sweet and Savory Japanese SoupBring: Sake, Wine, Salad, Japanese snacks
- Walk three blocks to Laura and Andy's-11pm - "Toast" Hosted by Laura and AndyAddress: 1114 E 19th St.Phone: 510-289-0338Theme: Champagne and Sweet TreatsBring: Champagne! Dessert, sparkling (non-alcoholic) beverage
WATCH FOR THE EVITE TO RSVPRSVP's are appreciated so we can get a good head count. Feel free to use the e-vite to invite your neighbor as well as your friends who might enjoy the evening with us.
Can't wait to celebrate with you!
PROGRESSIVE DINNER MAP
in The Lake NeighborhoodWatch for the Evite to RSVP!
Your are invited to join your neighbors for a Progressive Dinner in celebration of the New Year and our really cool neighborhood!
Four Lake Merritt Neighbors have offered their homes for celebration at different times throughout the evening. Join us at the first home for amazing cocktails by mixologist Kathleen and walk with us through a wandering meal of traditional (and international!) holiday fare.
Bring a dish or drink to one of the homes we visit and help feed your neighbors, too!
The schedule of the evening is:
6pm-8pm Kathleen's Apartment
Address: 1637 5th Ave
Theme: Classy cocktails and yummy apps.Bring: Whisky, Rum, OJ or Cocktail Snacks
- walk three blocks to Ruby's House -
7:30-9:30pm Hosted by Ruby
Address: 2001 5th Ave
Phone: 510- 229-9984Theme: Feliz Ano Nuevo with Mexican Pozole, Fire Pit and Salsa Dancing!Bring: Tamales, Tortillas, Cerveza, Vino
- Walk six blocks to Skye and Devin's -
9pm-11pm Hosted by Skye and Devin
Address: 912 E. 18th St. @ 9th Ave
Phone: 510-928-7818
Theme: Sweet and Savory Japanese SoupBring: Sake, Wine, Salad, Japanese snacks
- Walk three blocks to Laura and Andy's-11pm - "Toast" Hosted by Laura and AndyAddress: 1114 E 19th St.Phone: 510-289-0338Theme: Champagne and Sweet TreatsBring: Champagne! Dessert, sparkling (non-alcoholic) beverage
WATCH FOR THE EVITE TO RSVPRSVP's are appreciated so we can get a good head count. Feel free to use the e-vite to invite your neighbor as well as your friends who might enjoy the evening with us.
Can't wait to celebrate with you!
PROGRESSIVE DINNER MAP
Monday, November 7, 2011
Stay Tuned for the 2012 mtg schedule
HI LAKE NEIGHBORS!!!Mark your calendars…next meeting: Jan 26 at Regen 6:30pm come meet with us!
"Feet on the Street"
Neighbors are walking the streets to make our presence better known. We leave flyers at homes with no lights turned on to encourage them to keep them on all night.
We meet every Wed eve, usually between 7:30 and 8pm at the Leaning Tower of Pizza, 498 Wesley Ave (between Brooklyn Ave & Newton Ave).
Vests will be issued to 3 time participants and safety whistles to those giving the activity a try for the first time. Two and four legged walkers of any age are welcome. It's a great way to meet neighbors and get a little exercise.
For more information and to join our email list, contact the Feet on the Street Leader Marvin Ishai - safeguardscalifornia@gmail.com or our Neighborhood Service Coordinator - Hoang Banh - hbanh@oaklandnet.com
We meet every Wed eve, usually between 7:30 and 8pm at the Leaning Tower of Pizza, 498 Wesley Ave (between Brooklyn Ave & Newton Ave).
Vests will be issued to 3 time participants and safety whistles to those giving the activity a try for the first time. Two and four legged walkers of any age are welcome. It's a great way to meet neighbors and get a little exercise.
For more information and to join our email list, contact the Feet on the Street Leader Marvin Ishai - safeguardscalifornia@gmail.com or our Neighborhood Service Coordinator - Hoang Banh - hbanh@oaklandnet.com
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