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“I have always felt that my community is no better or worse than what I help make it, likewise, my country. I can’t delegate my own responsibility. I can’t assume anyone else’s.” Powell Barnett, 1883-1971 This was the motto and creed of Powell S. Barnett, the son of a former slave, who came to then Washington Territory in 1888 at the age of five. His father, Powell Benjamin Barnett, had uprooted his family to work the coal mines of Roslyn, Washington, and the Barnett family has resided here ever since. Powell S. Barnett married Katherine Conna of the pioneering John N. Conna family in 1906, and they settled in Seattle. Therein followed a lifetime of community work as encapsulated in the list below. Gold Card member/NAACP Lifetime member/Mt. Zion Baptist Church Board Member/Volunteers of America, 1901-08 Founder-Mgr/Royal Colored Giants baseball team Democratic Precinct committeeman, 33rd District/15 years. Board member/Lee House for Senior Citizens President/Seattle Urban League, 1948-1950 Air Raid Warden, 1941-1945 Chairman, Committee to establish East Madison YMCA Board member, East Madison YMCA Treasurer, King County USO, 1944-1961 Executive Committee, United Good Neighbors, 1942 Chairman, Committee to amalgamate Local 76 (white) and Local 493 (black) Musician’s Union, 1956 Founder/President, Leschi Improvement Council Chairman, Welcoming Committee to integrate Japanese American citizens after World War II Jackson Street Community Council “Man of the Year” 1964 Seattle Urban league Annual Award Founder/Pacific Northwest Baseball Umpires Association During his lifetime, Mr. Barnett received commendations and awards from the Jackson St. Community Council, King County Council on Aging, Seattle Urban League, the Mayor of Seattle, and the Seattle City Council. In 1969, the 4.4 acre park on Martin Luther King Way which formerly served as a running track for Garfield High School, was named Powell Barnett Park. Powell Barnett died on March 16, 1971, having lived a rich, full, and substantial life. Over the years the park fell into disrepair, and a massive community fund raising effort led by his grand-daughter, Maisha Barnett, was successful in raising $1.3 million dollars. Over a one week period the park underwent a massive overhaul resulting in a children’s park of nonpareil status. The park was re-opened in 2006 with Mayor Greg Nickels presiding. It is generally recognized as one of the top five children’s parks in the country.

This 4.4 tract of land at 352 Martin Luther King Jr Way had been used as a track and athletic field for Garfield High School for years but was sold to the Department of Parks in 1966. This new park was named to honor Powell Barnett, a community organizer and first President of the Leschi Improvement Council (now the Leschi Community Council). A complete renovation was accomplished in 7 days in 2006 with both funds and labor from Starbucks, the community and even the construction company that was hired to do the work. Planning meetings were held in which neighborhood children chose the type of equipment they would like to see in the park with the result that this is a widely used park that is often featured in publications for its state of the art playground. The neighborhood wished to retain the old restroom in its castle type building and it was renovated both inside and out and is completely ADA compliant as is the playground itself. There is a full basketball court and a wading pool as well as picnic areas and grills for BBQs. This park has a large expanse of green area which is used for picnics and family gatherings. The entrance to the park displays mosaic tiles which depict some of the highlights of Powell Barnett's activities; this was the work of art students at Coyote Junior High. One can see sports activities of Seattle Girls' School students on the grassy area on certain weekdays and this park is a destination place for families with young children any day of the week. Park Features 4.4 Acres On bus 8 route Powell Barnett Memorial Playground Basketball Wading Pool Restrooms Picnic Area BBQ Location 325 Martin Luther King Jr Way S. See it here at Google Maps.

Peppi's is a small park (2.3 acres) due east of Leschi School, established in 1953 in lieu of putting a playground in Frink Park. Parks asked the children of Leschi School what they wanted to name the park and the choice was naming it in honor of Peppi Braxton, a popular first grader who had been killed in a bike-car accident. The Park consists mostly of children's playground equipment with a wading pool that has not been used in several years due to Parks budget cuts. There are restrooms and some grassy areas for lounging, and tables and benches. Both the restrooms and the playground equipment are ADA compliant. Recent work parties have cleared the trail to the east of the park, pulling out invasive weeds and making it easier to access. Peppi's Playground can be accessed by Metro Bus #27 which stops across the street on Lake Dell. Park Features 2.3 Acres On bus 27 route Modern Playground Equipment Restrooms Location 3233 E Spruce Street, Seattle, 98122. See it on Google Maps.

Acquired in 1990 with King Co. Levy funds for Open Space Preservation, this incredible view space offers a panoramic view of the Cascades and Lake Washington. With Department of Neighborhood funding, Leschi Community Council hired Anderson and Ray Landscape Architects to formulate a plan for planting the area with NW native plants (the area had been clear cut of native plants in the late 19th century.) In 2003, the large home at 36th and E Terrace (a former Italian consulate) was purchased with Pro Parks funding, adding a second viewpoint. The Leschi Natural Area boasts trails for walking and running, bird watching, great rocks for sitting or picnicking, and the incredible views which inspire quiet contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The area is lovingly maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, the Friends of the Leschi Natural Area, who devote every first Saturday of the month (rain or shine) to weeding, planting or spreading mulch. Volunteers are welcome; tools and gloves are provided as well as a nourishing lunch. Work parties are 9-3. Park Features 3.23 acres All native plants Viewpoints Nature trails Location 3525 E Terrace St. See it on Google Maps.

Leschi Park has a rich history. It was once a summer camping ground for Chief Leschi's Nisqually tribe. After the first peoples were displaced, the park became a recreation destination for Seattleites living in the denser areas of the new city. There was a large dance pavilion, boat rentals, even a zoo and the Lake Washington Cable Trolley Line brought city folks to the area by way of a thrilling downhill ride on a wooden roller coaster type structure, ending by the ferry docks. With no bridges then, lake traffic was by foot passenger ferries. There once was a bandstand with weekend concerts. The area known as Leschi Park was owned by the railway company and sold to the city in 1909, becoming Seattle's second oldest park. Much of this early history was celebrated at the day long Centennial event in 2009. An Arts & Crafts fair was held in the park the following year. Today the park is mostly manicured lawns and flower beds with a rich assortment of specimen trees. There are restrooms and paths leading to the children's playground and the outdoor tennis courts. The marina area has a boat launch for hand carried boats and boat moorage. This park can be reached by Metro Bus #27 which stops right at the northeast corner of the park. Park Features 18.5 Acres Gardens and Lawns Tennis Courts Playground Restrooms Paths Views Easy Access to: Marina Boat Launch (hand carry) Lakefront Restaurants Grocery Location See it on Google Maps.

This tract of wooded land was given to the city in 1907 by John M. Frink, a Washington State Senator, whose mansion is still located in Leschi at 31st & Jackson on the SW corner, an imposing home that looks east toward the park. Frink Park is the antithesis of the many manicured city parks with broad walks for strolling. This is a heavily vegetated park with 3000 feet of hiking trails. It is essentially located in a ravine with a creek and small waterfall. Its 17.2 acres are diligently being returned to a place of native plants as volunteer work parties remove the invasive ivies and blackberries. A group called Friends of Frink Park was formed in 1999 to work on the restoration of this park. The couple that spearheads this project are Darcy Thompson and Darrell Howe; they won a Denny Award for their achievements at the 2011 Denny Awards ceremony. Despite the magnitude of this project, they maintain their motto is one acre at a time. This is the place to come if you want to hike in dense woods but still be in the city; this is not a place to stretch out on a grassy lawn and study the clouds above. This park is located at 388 Lake Washington Blvd. S, 98144. It borders the upper west end of Leschi Park. The upper portion of Frink Park is easily accessed by the #14 Metro bus. Park Features 17.2 Acres Chief Leschi Trail Nature Trails Historic Bridge Creek with Waterfall Viewpoints Location See it here: Google Maps

Location S Jackson St & 28th Ave S, Seattle WA 98144, (see it on Google maps) Details This small neighborhood park at 28th & Jackson was dedicated to Floresina (Flo) Ware by the city on 5/8/82 in recognition of her many good works. The park was renovated by the Leschi Community Council in recent years with city and foundation grants as well as private donations and sweat equity by dedicated volunteers. A half basketball court was installed and small chess board tables which double as flat surfaces to eat one's lunch. There is a BBQ for more elaborate meals. The playground is modern equipment with safety features such as the spongy surface which softens falls. The art works are mosaics created by the art students from Coyote Central and the many inspiring comments of Flo Ware are embedded in the walkway. The park is accessible by Metro bus #14. The park is used by neighborhood children and students from the Seattle Girls' School nearby on Jackson. and the Leschi Community Council honors Flo Ware each year in May with a community potluck. Note: there are no public bathrooms. There is a water source and electricity is available if you make arrangements with the Parks Department. Permits for park use are also available through the Department of Parks & Recreation... otherwise, it is first come, first served. Park Features 0.5 Acres On bus 14 route Flo Ware Memorial Basketball Half Court Chessboards Picnic Tables Playground Equipment Who was Flo Ware? Florestine R. Ware (1912-1981) was a remarkable woman. She constantly spoke out in a calm, positive manner for academic improvement in central area public schools, quality health care for the aged, and for more employment opportunities for the poor. Flo Ware organized the Central Area School Board and the Foster Parent Association. She spearheaded the Meals On Wheels program for the elderly, and from 1968 - 1979 had a radio talk show on KRAB. She recieved more than 75 awards for her community work. In addition to her community and national activities, Flo Ware was foster mother to 20 children. Soon after her death in 1961, there was an outpouring of feeling from the Central Area community that a memorial to her be created. In 1982, the city paid tribute to Flo Ware by renaming the Jackson Street Mini-Park in her honor. Source: Mary T. Henry, Tribute: Seattle Public Places Named For Black People (Seattle Stance Press, 1997) Events Flo Ware is the location for Flo Ware Day and the Hopscotch Event.

Born and educated in Chicago, Heather was recognized at a young age as a gifted artist and in high school was offered a prestigious Chicago Art institute scholarship to pursue her art studies. Heather then attended Syracuse University where she got a science degree in studio studies. She moved to Seattle in 1991 and founded Heather Lea Garrick Clothing. Her work has appeared in Yoga Journal, Vogue, and many other design publications. Heather’s design studio is located in the heart of Seattle’s dynamic Central District. She sells her work online through Etsy, at local community events and out of her studio. Heather is passionate about creating items of love for her customers that feel sexy free, joyful and holistic. Heather Lea Garrick website: www.etsy.com/shop/paintedpants email: hlgarrick@yahoo.com

I come from New York. After my fine arts education, I returned to New York to immerse myself in the culture, food, style, and fashion and enjoyed many successful art shows. I have been fortunate to sell my work in both private galleries and custom portrait commissions. (Gusty, 2012, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 48" by Jennifer Bloom, detail) HautePortraiture started from my love of animals, especially dogs. Although I also paint fish, cats, horses, and people, I am particularly influenced by humor found naturally in the animal kingdom and use that as much as possible in my portraits. I am influenced by comedians and life’s ironies. My paintings capture your animal’s personality. I am available to paint your dog all I need is a clear photograph to get started. Pricing is contingent on the complexity of the photograph. ~Jennifer Bloom Website: www.hauteportraiture.net Email: Jopulent@aol.com Phone: (206) 661-4538

Mary Garvey is a Seattle native who attended Holy Names Academy and Central Washington University. She has had a diverse career that fits her eclectic interests. Throughout her life she has been an Escrow Officer, a successful Real Estate Broker, an Interior and Landscape Designer, and a Flight Attendant. As a flight attendant she traveled the world for 13 years. Mary has always had a passion to learn, achieve and master venues that excite her – she doesn’t have a boring bone in her body. (Coco by Mary Garvey) Mary was always fascinated with glass; having observed the glass blowers in Venice, Italy. She has studied at the Pratt Institute of Seattle, with subsequent training at Seattle Art Glass, Seattle Community College and Bullseye Glass in Portland. For the last 2 years she has taught 200-plus aspiring students the Art of Glass Fusion at Ingraham High School. She has worked and instructed with Alan Goodwin, the Art Department Chairperson at Ingraham. She stated that the art students at Ingraham “are so smart, quick and creative – its inspiring to see the brilliance of these young people”. Stepping into the limelight with her Fusion Glass Fantasies, she is creating lovable, eclectic art, specializing in colorful figures, custom art, and stand-up glass sculptures. Her people and animals make you smile, laugh and be happy. Studying a photograph of her sister, she created an image of what was happening in her life that day, and depicted the mood perfectly. Mary’s work is one-of-a-kind, and she will create personal glass sculpture depictions from photographs provided by her clients. Mary Garvey Email: mhartmanmhartman@msn.com

BOOK REVIEW Leschi artist Tom Hoffman has written an elegant, beautifully produced book, entitled Watercolor Painting—A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium. As the publisher, Random House describes the book: “The beauty of a watercolor painting lies in its diaphanous layers, delicate strokes and luminous washes. However, the very features that define the beauty of the medium can make it difficult to master. This complete guide to understanding the relationships between color, value, wetness and composition unravels the mysteries of watercolor to help your practice evolve.... Whether you’re a serious beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this book will guide you toward the all-important balance between restraint and risk-taking that every watercolorist seeks.” The book is generously illustrated with watercolor paintings from a worldwide range, including two paintings by another Leschi painter, Kate Barber. The issuance of the new book, Watercolor Painting, is an occasion that is being celebrated by a talk by the artist and an exhibition at Gage Academy on Friday, January 18, 7:00 pm and book-signing from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The exhibition will be shown from January 11 to February 15. The Gage Academy is located at 1501 10th Avenue East (next to St. Marks Cathedral).

Thank you for the opportunity to promote my CarolMade shop in the Leschi News. I have always done something crafty. At times I have quilted, done glass etching, made wreaths, knitted, crocheted and I have always gardened which I consider creative when I am designing my garden. A number of years ago I needed some help in making a necklace for a pendant that a friend brought me from Asia. I got wonderful help from my local bead store and I couldn't help noticing the bracelets on the sales woman's arm. She was wearing a triple wrap bracelet and I fell in love with it. It was so me - a little hippie and definitely earthy. I was so excited when she told me that the store taught classes in making them. (Braided wrap bracelet in the perfect color all year- turquoise. These beads are iridescent seed beads braided into gray cord. This bracelet is light weight, comfortable and closes with a silver button. $24, by Carol Lade) I realized that I loved bracelets while bicycling through Europe in the 1970's when I was constantly looking at my wrists while on my bike. I needed something colorful to look at so I bought them because they were light weight, inexpensive and I could see them. Bracelets are what I love and I love making bracelets. My bracelets must be comfortable because I don't like anything tight or heavy on my wrists so that is what I create. I get a great deal of peace and inspiration from nature. And ooh colors - I love so many color combinations. That must be obvious when you look at my shop at Etsy.com/shop/CarolMade. The beads in my wrap bracelets are hand stitched three times through the cord. It takes me about 5 hours to make a wrap bracelet, but I love doing it. They range in price from $42-$50. The beads include natural gemstones and Czech glass beads and I close these bracelets with an interesting and coordinating button. I also make braided wrap bracelets using seed beads and these are $24. My single wrap bracelets are also carefully stitched using the same gemstones and/or well made glass beads. They range from $15 to $30. I have lately been making leather bracelets that close with an easy to operate magnetic clasp. I use a variety of leathers from Italian to vintage to suede in a variety of colors and they are decorated with antique silver or brass findings and colorful rings. These bracelets are custom fitted before I attach the clasp and they are priced at $24-$45. Carol Lade at CarolMade Phone: Home 206-524-7591, Cell 206-819-7241 Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/CarolMade