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Community celebrates Neighbor Appreciation Day 2010 February 6 marked the 16th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day, and Seattle celebrated it with great excitement this year. Dozens of activities from open houses at fire stations to neighborhood parties were held to celebrate neighbors. Here are some of the highlights: Student Art Contest - In a special ceremony at Dunlap Elementary School, Mayor Mike McGinn and Councilmember O’Brien presented awards to the 12 winners of a citywide student art contest commemorating the 16th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day. “Neighbor Appreciation Day is a great time to reflect on the importance of neighbors and thank them for their contributions to their community,” said Mayor McGinn. “The annual art contest is especially fun, because we see the value of neighbors and community through the eyes of our kids and their imagination.” The two top winners’ artworks were featured on Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards distributed free at libraries, community centers, and Neighborhood Service Centers.
GAIN clean-up of Aurora - The Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors (GAIN) held a neighborhood clean up along Aurora N roughly between N 85th and 95th Streets. The event kicked off at Wilson Pacific School and two dozen volunteers participated. One of the neighbors, who is a massage therapist, generously offered 10 gift certificates for 1/2 hour of free massage to the first 10 people who arrived at the clean up in honor of Neighbor Appreciation Day. Bitter Lake Party - In a delightful ceremony featuring Councilmember Mike O’Brien, updates on the Neighborhood Plan for Broadview - Bitter Lake - Haller Lake were provided to over 50 neighbors. For more information on the future of Bitter Lake, visit http://bittterlakeresepark.wetpaint.com. Southwest Pool Reception Party - by Mark Cantrell, Senior Lifeguard
History: The celebration began in 1995 when Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood suggested that the City designate “a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other.” Mayor Norm Rice responded by proclaiming the Saturday before Valentine’s Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day. The observance has grown every year since! Neighbor Appreciation Day is a grassroots celebration. People and organizations organize block parties, open houses, award ceremonies, potluck dinners, and work parties to recognize and encourage caring neighbors. To view photos of the Neighbor Appreciation Day Queen Anne Clean and Green, click here. In addition, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods sponsors an art contest for K-12 students in Seattle. The winners of the contest have their art featured on Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards distributed free throughout Seattle in recognition of caring neighbors. To see the 2010 cards click here >>. Free Neighbor Appreciation Greeting Cards There are still a limited number of cards available. To order, contact Wendy Watson at wendy.watson@seattle.gov (or 206-684-0719).
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Queen Anne Cleanup - The Queen Anne neighborhood turned out nearly 60 volunteers to help spruce up the Uptown area in celebration of Neighbor Appreciation Day. Under sunny skies and tents provided by Seattle Parks Department, volunteers cleaned up the old Neighborhood Center at 157 Roy St., weeded, and picked up trash in other areas. There was even an official tree planting on 1st Ave. N with the help of SDOT. In all, a total of 4,500 lbs of litter and debris were removed from the area!
Southwest Pool and Community Center celebrated its annual Neighborhood Appreciation Day with over 125 visitors. This event gave the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department an opportunity to show the community how much we appreciate their patronage and participation in our programs and class offerings. Visitors enjoyed refreshments while taking in the vibes from some of our local musicians, and an additional free public swim was offered from 1-2 p.m.
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