HNA E-News: Puppet Workshops; Hosts Needed for Progressive Potluck; Candle-Lit Labyrinth Walk; Neighborhood Caroling; and More

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Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter

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Items appearing in the HNA E-Newsletter are deemed to be of general interest to neighbors but do not necessarily reflect the views of Halcyon Neighborhood Association (HNA), its Steering Committee, or the Editor. The Editor's introductory comments express her personal viewpoint.

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1. "Robin's Treasures": Ashby Neighbor Laura West Announces Free Puppet Workshops and a Unique Estate Sale

2. Hosts Needed for Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 11, 2009

3. Candle-Lit Solstice Labyrinth Walk at Willard School, Sunday, December 21, 6-8 p.m.

4. Holiday Caroling in the Neighborhood: Are You Interested?

5. "Light the Night" Tips from LeConte Neighborhood Assoc. President Karl Reeh

6. Another Note about Light: Please Report Flickering Streetlights

7. Student Seeking Room in Neighborhood

* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

Editor's Introductory Note:

The E-News allows the opportunity for some neighborhood networking. Feel free to submit similar announcements with a connection to our neighborhood, as well as crime-watch alerts. And note the date of our fabulous post-holiday progressive potluck on Sunday, January 11 (see item 2) as something to look forward to in the new year. Happy holidays to all!

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

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1. "Robin's Treasures": Ashby Neighbor Laura West Announces Free Puppet Workshops and a Unique Estate Sale

Ashby Avenue neighbor Laura West sent the following information.

ROBIN'S  TREASURES
Teacher and neighborhood resident Laura West invites you to attend FREE PUPPET WORKSHOPS and a unique estate sale. Her mother,  Robin Gorton, was a Berkeley teacher, storyteller, and puppeteer. Come to 2218 Russell Street (Berkeley, by Telegraph and Ashby, and you'll walk into the wonderland of her vast and marvelous collections: magical PUPPETS (from finger to life-size animals, people, and whole story kits0; glistening ORNAMENTS (miniature instruments, birds, and fruit); and gorgeous DISHES (in cobalt blues and emerald greens).

SALE: Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 20,  10-4:00 p.m.

2 PUPPET WORKSHOPS

Sunday, 12/14: We will take a wonderful journey through the story kits and discuss classroom strategies.

Sunday, 12/21: Laura will show multicultural people puppets and give away handouts, patterns, and felt.

REFRESHMENTS AND WORKSHOP: 1:00-3:30 p.m.

To register for the workshops or more information, contact Laura West, 845-4754 or Lauragortonwest@yahoo.com

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2. Hosts Needed for Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, Sunday, January 11, 2009

HNA Potluck organizer and Steering Comm. member Tory Finn sent the following announcement:

Dear neighbors,

My name is Tory Finn, I live on Wheeler Street. Our January Post-Holiday "Progressive Potluck" is one of my favorite  neighborhood events, and lucky for us it's just around the corner on January 11th. Unlike the rest of our quarterly potlucks, we move from house to house for each course. It's a great way to meet our neighbors and enjoy the community we so value in Halcyon.

 

If you have not hosted before, please consider being a host for one course. We've had the chance to go to some houses many times,  and it would be nice to involve more people. We need a total of THREE or possibly FOUR hosts (Appetizers, Salad, and Main Course need hosts; Dessert will be at John and Michelle's house unless someone else would like to do it).  Hosts usually provide paper plates, cups, napkins, etc., but other people can help with those resources if needed.

 

Please contact me if you are interested in hosting one of the courses on January 11  -- even if you are not sure whether you can or if you want more info. Also let me know if you'd like to be on the list as a potential potluck host for one of our quarterly potlucks later in the year. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you all on January 11.

 

Tory Finn

tory_finn@yahoo.com

c. 415-505-8160

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3. Candle-Lit Solstice Labyrinth Walk at Willard School, Sunday, December 21, 6-8 p.m.

[Editor's Note:  Last year's candle-lit Solstice Walk was a very special evening. Here's a good way to unwind some of that holiday stress.]

East Bay Labyrinth Project
SUNDAY, December 21, 2008

Winter Solstice Community Labyrinth Walk by Candlelight, drop by from 6 to 8 p.m., Willard Middle School (Telegraph Ave. between Derby & Stuart, Berkeley). Hot mulled cider & refreshments.  Everyone welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Rain cancels. Contact info@eastbaylabyrinthproject.org, 510-526-6032.

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4. Holiday Caroling in the Neighborhood: Are You Interested?

[Editor's Note: Last year Halcyon and East Lorin neighbors joined together to sing Christmas carols. Some neighbors would like to make it an annual tradition.]

Would you be interested in holiday caroling through parts of Halcyon and East Lorin neighborhoods on Tuesday, December 23, 5-7 p.m. (with a possible second evening on the 24th)? Emphasis would be on Christmas caroling, but we could also do a couple of Hanukkah or other songs if there's interest and someone can teach the tunes. If you'd like to carol, please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com> and your email will be passed on to the organizers. Men are especially encouraged to participate so we have the full vocal range!

The idea would be to have an hour-long practice (or two) at someone's house the week prior to caroling in the street. If you'd be willing to offer your house for either the practice(s) or for the initial gathering point for caroling, please reply to <halcyon92@gmail.com>, and, again, your email will be passed on to the organizers.

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5. "Light the Night" Tips from LeConte Neighborhood Assoc. President Karl Reeh

[Editor's Note: LeConte Neighborhood Association President Karl Reeh posted the following useful tips on the LeConte Chat listserve.]

"LIGHT THE NIGHT": EXPANDED EDITION

 

As a way to discourage criminals from choosing your block to prey on easy victims, I would like to suggest the following preventative steps regarding your household lighting:

 

1. Leave your front porch light on ALL night. (Use a low wattage CFB.)

 

2. Leave an inside light on (visible from the street). If this is connected to a timer that turns it on and off, this can be even more effective. It indicates that someone is home and possible awake.

 

3. Consider holiday lights for your front windows, porch, bushes, trees during these darkest months of the year. (We all can use the cheerfulness that this can provide.) Plus criminals, like the rats they are, turn towards the dark. LED lights which use 90% less energy are widely available this year. (Also on the web under LED Holiday Lights.)

 

4. Carry and USE a bright flashlight EVERY TIME you go out at night -- even when you are just going to and from your car. This gives you a major advantage if anyone is hiding or approaching you in the dark. If a criminal thinks you have seen them they are more likely to move on. Plus with a super bright LED light you can temporarily blind anyone who is too close for comfort.

 

5. To discourage people from trespassing on your driveway or back yards, consider motion sensitive lights such as those promoted by Jill Finn. (jcf525@gmail.com)

 

For additional guidelines on crime prevention and other Police Dept. information go to:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/communityservicesbureau/crimeprevention.html

 

 

Cheers, K

Karl Reeh, President

LeConte Neighborhood Association

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6. Another Note about Light: Please Report Flickering Streetlights

A Deakin Street neighbor recently called attention to some flickering streetlights on Deakin that would sometimes go off and sometimes come on (his first question was whether this was an intentional strategy to "save energy"; it is not!). Jim Hynes in the City Manager's Office asked us to report flickering streetlights to him as soon as we notice them at  <JHynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

In his note, he stated, "It is great for us to know about the flickering because it is an easier and cheaper fix than letting the ballast burn out.  Also, the flickering pulls more energy, so the faster we get the less overall energy consumption." When reporting a streetlight that is flickering or out, please be sure to write down the unique number(s) that are on the pole, which lets the City know exactly which light needs to be fixed. Let's keep our neighborhood well lighted!

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7. Student Seeking Room in Neighborhood

Webster Street neighbor Rita Dichtel submitted the following announcement.

Do you have a spare room to rent with "kitchen privileges"?  Rita Dichtel, a neighbor at Webster Street Apts,  knows of a student at Laney College who is looking for a room to rent -- for around $300-350/month.  He is from India and is a quiet and gentle man. He is in the art department as a sculpture student. He actually has a website about the work he has done in India.  He will not bring his "projects" home with him.  They will stay at Laney in the studio. If anyone knows of a place, an email would be appreciated very much . . . .  you can email me at <ritadichtel@yahoo.com> or contact the student below.

Here is contact information for the person looking:
His name is Madhujalli  and phone no.  is (415) 447-8454.

His website is http://www.Madhujalli.com.

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* For Your Calendar: HNA Dates Scheduled for 2009

Dates set as of  December 2008 (verify a couple weeks before event by checking HNA E-Newsletter):

Sunday, January 11, 2009, 5:30-8:45 p.m., Post-Holiday Progressive Potluck, four locations TBD

Sunday, Late January/Early February, 2009, 4-5:30, Joint Steering Committee/Disaster Prep Committee meeting to plan dates/events for 2009 (email <halcyon92@gmail.com> if you'd like to participate)

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* Disaster Prep Supply Cache Wish List

HNA's Disaster Prep Supply Cache contains items intended to benefit the entire neighborhood in the event of disaster. You can help us have what we need on hand in two ways: (1) Make a tax-deductible financial contribution to Berkeley Partners for Parks (BPFP, our nonprofit fiscal sponsor), earmarked Halcyon Disaster Prep, which will go toward purchasing additional supplies, and mail or drop off to HNA Treasurer Susan Hunter, 3044 Halcyon Court, Berkeley, CA 94705. (2) Contribute any of the following items in-kind (supplies MUST be new or in GOOD condition):

Duct Tape (this is a versatile supply that allows us to improvise with common household items in the event of a disaster: lots needed!); Batteries (AA, C, D), regular & rechargeable; Battery Recharger for AA (LOTS of these needed!), C, D; Quality Walkie-Talkies with 8-mile range, 22 channels (i.e., Motorola Talkabout T5500 two-way radios); Axes; Crow Bars, Hard Hats; Other Tools for Search & Rescue; Head Lamps; Heavy-duty Flashlights; Bullhorn;  Flashcard (for storing neighborhood database to transfer to laptop); Sheets (freshly laundered or new; good for first aid); Blankets; First Aid Supplies; Gas Siphon (for extracting gas from cars to run generator); 5-Gallon Drums for long-term gas storage; Work Gloves; Large Camping Tents (with all parts!); Coleman or similar Gas or Propane Stove; Shelving for Shed; Two-Foot Lengths of 2x4s and 4x4s (good for cribbing and creating fulcrums for removing heavy objects during search & rescue operations).

Contact HNA Co-Chair and Cache Coordinator Nancy Carleton at <halcyon92@gmail.com> or 644-0172 to contribute supplies.

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* City of Berkeley: Useful Contact Information

Police

Police Emergency Number:  911 (from landline); 981-5911(from cell; preprogram with this number to reach Berkeley emergency from a cell)

Police Nonemergency Number: 981-5900

Link to beat maps and a list of beat officers:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/department/beatinfo/beatlineup.html

In Halcyon neighborhood, west of Fulton is Beat 10, east of Fulton is Beat 9.

Link to crime stats:

Berkeley:  http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police

Link to police bulletins:

http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/police/crimestats/policebulletins.html

Other City Departments:

Neighborhood Services Liaison Jim Hynes <jhynes@ci.berkeley.ca.us> 981-2493

Public Works Customer Service:  981-6620 (streets, sidewalks, graffiti, sewers, litter, storm drains, street lights)

Tree Trimming/Planting (Forestry)/Parks: 981-6660

Written Communication with City Council:

To comment to City Council, cut and paste the following email addresses:

City Clerk <clerk@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Mayor Tom Bates <Mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Linda Maio <LMaio@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Darryl Moore <DMoore@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Max Anderson <MAnderson@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Jesse Arreguin <JArreguin@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Laurie Capitelli <LCapitelli@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Susan Wengraf <SWengraf@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Kriss Worthington <KWorthington@ci.berkeley.ca.us>,

Councilmember Gordon Wozniak <GWozniak@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

Representatives for Our Neighborhood:

Councilmember Max Anderson (District 3) 981-7130

West side of Wheeler Street to west (except for Woolsey between Wheeler and Shattuck)

Councilmember Kriss Worthington (District 7) 981-7170

East side of Wheeler to east (includes block of Woolsey from Wheeler to Shattuck)

Mayor Tom Bates 981-7100

Zoning Adjustments Board:

To comment to the Zoning Adjustments Board regarding projects on their calendar, email:

Zoning Adjustments Board <zab@ci.berkeley.ca.us>

(best to submit your comments 10 days prior to meeting for inclusion in the advance packet to board members, but late submissions will be distributed the evening of the meeting)

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* Halcyon Neighborhood Association's Guiding Principles

HNA is a community group dedicated to stewardship of the Halcyon Neighborhood in South Berkeley (bounded by Telegraph, Ashby, Adeline, and Woolsey). We encourage positive, proactive, partnership-oriented approaches to improving the well-being of our neighborhood, with an emphasis on the following goals:

• Community building (such as regular potlucks, special events in the park, mutual support among neighbors, and multiblock yard sales);
• Ongoing care of Halcyon Commons (a park conceived of and created by the neighbors who founded HNA) under the nonprofit umbrella provided by Berkeley Partners for Parks and in partnership with the City of Berkeley;
• Continued greening and care of the neighborhood (planting trees, cleaning litter off streets, graffiti removal, and helping maintain public landscaped features);
• Strengthening neighborhood watch (crime watch, community safety walks, emergency preparedness, and disaster supply cache);
• Networking with the larger Berkeley community (nearby neighborhood groups, neighborhood businesses, City staff, and elected officials);
• Sharing information and empowering residents to become proactive in addressing neighborhood needs and in expressing individual viewpoints regarding civic affairs (spreading news through meetings, flyers, and the HNA E-Newsletter, and providing contact information).

        To fulfill these goals, HNA provides a sanctuary from partisan politics so that neighbors with diverse viewpoints feel welcome to participate. Thus, HNA only takes stands on larger issues when there is near-unanimity among neighbors. By focusing on immediate local concerns, we find we can have a greater impact and get better results from the time we invest.

       Guided by these principles, HNA invites neighbors who are willing to work together in a spirit of partnership to participate at whatever level makes sense for them. Opportunities for serving on our volunteer Steering Committee and project-oriented committees are available to neighbors who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work together in a nonpartisan spirit. Neighbors are invited to step forward into leadership positions defined by the work they do in accordance with HNA's primary goals and guiding principles.

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The Halcyon Neighborhood Association E-Newsletter:  The HNA E-Newsletter forwards occasional crime-watch notices as well as items of general interest to neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area of south Berkeley (HNA's borders), including announcements about community-building potlucks, greening projects, disaster preparedness meetings, and work parties in Halcyon Commons Park. If you're receiving this email, you probably either signed up at a neighborhood event or a neighbor 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 <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Feel free to pass the HNA E-Newsletter on to other neighbors you think might be interested.

To submit items for the newsletter:   Email unformatted content or links (no graphics or attachments please!) to HNA E-Newsletter Editor Nancy Carleton <halcyon92@gmail.com>. Crime-watch reports and news about neighbors (births, new jobs, announcements re home businesses) is especially welcome. Please note that due to the volunteer nature of the endeavor, the E-Newsletter does not typically include "letters to the editor" or "commentary," but will gladly include links to such items written by neighbors in the Ashby/Telegraph/Woolsey/Adeline area and published elsewhere (the Berkeley Daily Planet has a large section devoted to opinion).

HNA Halcyon Safety Walk Listserve:  For those who'd like to participate in night-time and daytime safety "dog" walks (dogs not required) to build community and serve as eyes on the street, please reply  to Halcyon Neighborhood Association <halcyon92@gmail.com> indicating your interest, and you will receive an invitation to join. For everyone's safety, be sure to include your full name, address, email, and phone.

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

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