HNA News: Berkeley Project a Success; Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, 11/19; LNA meeting Thurs. 11/16

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter*

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1. Berkeley Project Volunteer Work Party a Great Success!  Thanks to All!

2. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

4. New Halcyon neighbor Candice Johnson Reopens Her Private Practice

5. LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting Thurs. 11/16, 7:30 p.m.

6. District 7 Election Results: Councilmember Kriss Worthington Re-elected

7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

The Berkeley Project volunteer day was a huge success (see item 1). To celebrate that and to bid fond farewell to our dear community-minded neighbors Joel Hildebrandt and Judy Lightstone (and daughter Sandy), who are leaving soon for New Zealand, please join us for the Halcyon potluck this coming Sunday evening (see item 2).

-Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

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1. Berkeley Project Volunteer Work Party a Great Success!  Thanks to All!

Twenty-five UC Berkeley students came to Halcyon Commons Park this past Sunday to join a dozen neighbors, including five or six neighborhood children, in weeding and heavy mulching of Halcyon Commons, three nearby landscaped features, and one problem corner at Ashby and Fulton, in addition to picking up litter and removing graffiti. The Cal volunteers (some of them accompanied by middle school mentees they are mentoring, and some of them from Delta Gamma Sorority, where neighbor Susan Hunter is House Manager) were part of the first annual Berkeley Project Day, which involved 1,100 volunteers citywide. The day was a great success. Many, many thanks to the students for volunteering to make such a big difference in our neighborhood! Thanks, too, to Whole Foods Market for the delicious food; to City of Berkeley staff Bob Maron, Shallon Allen, and Jim Hynes, who coordinated logistical supplies;  to Susan, Nancy, Bruce, Dawn, and Matthew for helping to coordinate the volunteers on Saturday (and to John for pre-event logistical help); and to all the neighbors -- adults and children -- who pitched in to work with us at some point during the day! Stop by and check out the results of their labors at Halcyon Commons (Halcyon Court at Prince).

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Note from our student liaison Kate Dillon:

Nancy, Dawn, and Susan:

Thank you for all of your coordinating efforts in the weeks before Berkeley Project and for your tremendous leadership during the entire day yesterday. Working alongside neighbors was one of the most important aspects of the day for me, and I'd imagine for many of the students and mentees as well. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and for sharing your beautiful park with us! Here are a few photos that I took through the day. Please be sure to add my email to the E-Newsletter, and I look forward to getting to stay in touch with you!

Love, Kate

[Note from the Editor: I hope to post some of these photos on the web; if I manage to do so, I'll post a link in a future newsletter.]

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Note from City Staff:

So pleased everything worked out so well and the students all seemed to have a great time. Many of them told me how tired they were!! Thanks for your participation and have a great holiday season if I don't get a chance to see you!!!

Shallon Allen, City of Berkeley

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Note thanking students:

Dear Student Volunteers:

Thank you so much to each and every volunteer who helped out this past Saturday in the Halcyon neighborhood! Your hard work weeding, mulching, picking up trash, and removing graffiti made a huge difference in beautifying our neighborhood and getting Halcyon Commons Park ready for the winter. We deeply appreciate your help! It was wonderful to work by your sides and get to know you a bit.

By participating in the Berkeley Project's first annual work day, you've provided an inspiring example for others to follow in what we hope will become an annual event -- and a wonderful way for UC Berkeley students to participate in the larger community and really make a difference.

As a neighborhood, we would like to invite you to a community potluck taking place this coming Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m. at neighbors John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market on Telegraph). Although it's a potluck, no need for you to bring food -- neighbors will make sure there's plenty.

Also, if any of you would like to stay informed about what's happening in our neighborhood (including neighborhood work parties, potlucks, crime watch, disaster preparedness, and other news), please let me know by email if you'd like to be on the bcc list to receive the Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter, which comes out on an occasional basis every week or two.

Again, a million thanks!
Nancy Carleton, HNA Co-Chair and E-Newsletter Editor

<ngc2@mindspring.com>

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2. Community Potluck Honoring Judy & Joel, Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m., 2329 Webster

What:  A chance to gather with neighbors over shared food as we bid farewell to longtime neighbors Judy Lightstone, Joel Hildebrandt, and their daughter Sandy before they move to New Zealand, as well as to thank some Berkeley Project volunteers who may join us.

When:  Sunday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.

Where:  John & Michelle's house, 2329 Webster (2nd house west of Whole Foods Market).

Who:  Those who live in the Ashby-Telegraph-Woolsey-Adeline quadrant are welcome, including children. We've also invited Cal student volunteers who helped in the Berkeley Project day last Saturday.

Agenda:  We'll share food and socialize for the first hour-plus, say goodbye to Judy, Joel, and Sandy, and then have a brief informal meeting where we brainstorm our HNA calendar for the coming year, including arranging hosts and locations for our fabulous Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck in January (we progress to four households for the different courses); setting a date for a community-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting to address crime and disaster preparedness; setting date for next Steering Committee meeting; planning Halcyon Commons work party dates for 2007; etc.

Bring:  Please bring a potluck item to share. Potluck suggestions:  * A-H: Main Dish *  I-L: Appetizer *  M-S:  Salad *  T-Z Dessert (if it's easy, please also bring a beverage to share). Please make a little extra so we'll have enough to feed any Berkeley Project volunteers who may join us!

Volunteers Needed:  John and Michelle request two volunteers to come half an hour early (5:30) to help set up; please email John at  <jsteere@igc.org> if you can help in this way.

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3. Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger's work in art show

Halcyon neighbor Shael Barger, who many of you see walking her two beautiful dogs Chaco and Adobe, makes exquisite, artistic jewelry. Her work was selected to appear in an art show taking place now through January 20 at the Collectors Gallery at the Oakland Museum.

The Collectors Gallery, run by the Oakland Museum Women's Board, offers contemporary California paintings, graphics, photographs and crafts for sale. Paintings and graphics are also available for rental. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Gallery is staffed by volunteers; please call to verify hours (there will likely be longer hours during the holiday season) if you are planning a visit:  510-834-2296. The Oakland Museum of California is located in downtown Oakland, one block from the Lake Merritt BART station and a few blocks from highway 880. Go to http://www.museumca.org/visit/index.html for directions.

Shael's work is also represented at the ACCI Gallery on Shattuck Avenue at Lincoln in North Berkeley.

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4. New Halcyon neighbor Candice Johnson Reopens Her Private Practice

Candice Johnson, a new neighbor on Halcyon Court, sends the following announcement:

Greetings! By way of introduction, let me mention that I am originally from the Midwest, having two children and now five sweet grandchildren. Before moving to the welcoming seasons of your Berkeley neighborhood, I lived in San Francisco for the last twenty years. I've had the good fortune of finding office space on College Avenue in the Elmwood district, where I have reopened my private practice. Beyond my years of service to church, school, and community, I am trained/licensed as a social worker. My own pilgrimage to self-belonging includes interests in depth psychology, contemplative spirituality, metaphysics, astrology, and intense spiritual awakenings through relationships. I offer individual, couples, and group facilitation. I welcome your questions, referrals, and your energetic greetings. Thank you!

Peace,

Candice Johnson

candice5@sbcglobal.net

510- 845-5151

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5. LeConte Neighborhood Association meeting Thurs. 11/16, 7:30 p.m.

Karl Reeh, President of LeConte Neighborhood Association (which includes neighbors south of campus  to the Oakland border and west of Telegraph to Shattuck, overlapping with Halcyon Neighborhood Association south of Ashby), sends the following announcement of LNA's monthly meeting:

Our Nov 16th meeting with be at the LeConte School starting at 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA to include:

1. Opposition to 18 Microwave antennas atop UC Storage, Ward @ Shattuck

Protests were given at ZAB on Nov 7th. A request was given to move our appeal hearing from Nov 27 to December or January. A lively demonstration was held last Saturday at the site. It was included on Channel Two newscasts that day. You are invited to the next Council Meeting to help bring further attention to our concerns, Tuesday, Nov 14.

2. Illegal Lawn Parking

This has been a major project led by Jerry Miller for the past several years. So far, the only results have been the identification of about 200 examples leading to a letter to the homeowner or landlord. Penalties have been hinted at but no enforcement has followed. We are looking for two or three task force members to carry this forward. This may seem like a minor issue until you realize that without effective control ALL our blocks may soon witness lawns and other landscaping disappearing into "temporary" or "permanent" parking. (We will have photos and background information to share at our meeting.)

3. Campaign Ethics & Accountability

While LeConte NA cannot directly support a candidate or an ballot measure, we can demand that lies and misrepresentations distributed to voters be addressed. Doesn't it seem ironic that a representative of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce can say that their "PAC of Lies" is independent while admitting that the Chamber broke the election law by NOT having their name & address on their first "hit piece"? Likewise, all the candidates listed on these mailings should denounce this unethical tactic and help ensure that this not happen again. (Please bring samples of these mailings to our meeting.)

4. Violent Crime Increase South of Campus

Berkeley's Chief of Police gave a report at the recent Berkeley Safe Neighborhoods Committee meeting, warning of an increase in violent crime, especially that of muggings and armed robberies. The University also sent out a notice to students and alumni living in our area. We need to focus on this and work with Willard NA and other nearby groups to help deal with it. There are some positive trends, as well. Plus free steering wheel locks are available for some of the most vulnerable cars. We hope to have our Beat Officer in attendance to give us updates and guidelines.

5. Our annual membership drive ($10 per household) and Board Election are also scheduled.

We need your input and support to remain a strong voice for our District.
Cheers, Karl Reeh, President LNA (843-2602)

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6. District 7 Election Results: Councilmember Kriss Worthington Re-elected

With final absentee votes counted, District 7 Councilmember Kriss Worthinton has won re-election 53% to 47%. (There are still some outstanding damaged ballots and provisional ballots to be counted, but not enough to make a difference in the outcome of the race.)

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7. Labyrinth Community Peace Walk, Sun. Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Willard Middle School

Community Labyrinth Peace Walk at 3 p.m., Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. Contact  info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 526-7377.

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime watch notices as well as announcements about events of interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley, including community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, either you signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor may have forwarded it to you. Please note that to prevent spam, HNA always uses bcc and does not share your email address with third parties. If you wish to be removed from this list, please reply to HNA Co-Chair Nancy Carleton/Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com>. Please feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

HNA Listserve:  If you would like to receive messages (and participate in discussions) on the HNA Listserve, please reply to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <ngc2@mindspring.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join.

HNA Blog:  If you would like to view previous newsletters online (and comment via a blog format), please visit http://halcyoncourt.blogspot.com/

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