By reporter Steven Smalley

One of the mainstays at Bartell Drugs in Magnolia Village is going home after 16 years. Latonia “Toni” Jordan has given her notice and will move in with her cousin closer to her New Orleans roots in Picayune, Mississippi. Magnolia Voice readers are sad to see her go.

“Many of us have been saved countless times while we navigated the Kodak Kiosks,” says Tara Larson, a Bartell’s shopper. “She singlehandedly masterminded many people’s Christmas cards and photo albums acting as the tech expert in the Photo Department. She is loved by so many customers.”

“I’ve been known to be the photo lady,” says Toni. “I try to make everyone’s pictures look like I’d like mine to look. When I’m helping you with your photos I’m giving you something I would like to buy. I try my best.”

As for the future?

“I don’t have anything lined up yet,” she reveals. “It could be photo or comedy.”

Stop by Bartell’s and wish Toni all the best.

Researchers at the University of Washington, in partnership with the Seattle Parks and Recreation department, would like to understand how people interact with nature in meaningful ways at Discovery Park..  The missing piece is YOU!  Please take a few moments and share your experience with nature at Discovery Park.

Click here to take the survey. Questions? Contact the HINTS (Human Interaction with Nature and Technological Systems) Lab at elev@uw.edu.

By reporter Steven Smalley

The Port of Seattle announces its affirmative vote to locate Tent City 5, now sited on City of Seattle property behind the Dravus QFC, to Port property at the east end of the Magnolia Bridge. 

The following is taken from a Port news release: 

“The Port of Seattle is doing its part to address the region’s homelessness crisis by partnering with community groups and the City of Seattle to provide needed resources.  The Port of Seattle Commission took action today, making our Tsubota property located at 1601 15th Ave W available as a new temporary location for Tent City 5.”

“Up to 80 residents and their small structures and tents would be on Port property for up to two years, starting sometime in November of this year.  With this approval from the Port of Seattle Commission, the City of Seattle will be holding up to two additional public meetings regarding the placement of Tent City 5.”

UPDATE: Today the Port of Seattle hosted a United Way Day of Caring event with Microsoft employees to paint the small structures on the Tsubota site. Homeless advocates, media, and Port staff were on hand to welcome guests and show off their Tiny Houses.

“I’m proud to have been part of the unanimous decision” to affirmatively move Tent City 5 from the Dravus QFC location to the Port property near the Magnolia Bridge, said Fred Felleman, Seattle Port Commissioner. “I had no idea I’d have the opportunity to contribute to this regional crisis. I can’t believe how fortunate and proud I am to be part of this novel solution critical to our city’s livability.”

Employees from Microsoft were also on-board.

“Today we will be helping set up, paint and beautify the Tiny House Village,” explained Stephanie Worley, Microsoft Senior Marketing Manager. “We are interested in helping to understand what’s happening in Seattle with homelessness. And we’re very excited to participate with a project that is helping to move people out of homelessness.”

More information from the Port of Seattle can be found here.

Bike the Bluff is not a race — you set your own pace! Walk or ride a 5- or 7-mile loop around Magnolia. All proceeds benefit the Catharine Blaine 5th grade class trip to Islandwood, an environmental science camp on Bainbridge Island.

The 26th Annual Bike the Bluff is Saturday, September 16 from 10am-2pm. Meet and finish at Catharine Blaine Playground, Behind Pop Mounger Pool on 32nd Ave W.

The 5-mile loop travels past Magnolia Village, along the Magnolia Bluff, through Discovery Park, and back to Blaine via 34th Avenue West. The 7-mile ride continues after Discovery Park to loop around all of Magnolia. Detours can be added by rolling down through Discovery Park to the lighthouse and then climbing back up, rejoining the loop rides. They also have a ‘training wheels’ distance route this year.  It is a 1 mile sidewalk loop (not only for those with training wheels). You can Download the Course Map here.

There will be complimentary treats at the finish for all riders, and a RAFFLE!!  Win fun prizes, including a kid-size Raleigh bike, generously donated by Alpine Hut.

Register online at www.bikethebluff.org.

Hey Magnolia!

Fill your grocery cart to fulfill a need in your local community! Shop Whole Foods Market Interbay on September 20, 2017 and 5% of the day’s sales benefit Catharine Blaine K-8 School.

.