August 2006

Maritime heats up

Boat building in Ballard is on an upswing thanks to a $600 million contract awarded in part to Kvichak Marine, for constructing the Coast Guard's next generation of patrol boats.

Kvichak will partner with Wisconsin-based Marinette Marine Corp. to build more than 200 aluminum pursuit vessels over the next ten years.

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Gimme shelter

If you need a place to hold a birthday party or other event, the Ross Shelterhouse is now available in Ballard.

The Ross Shelterhouse held its grand re-opening after going through extensive improvements. A community meeting room was upgraded with heat, better furnishings, storage and a kitchen.

On a warm sunny day, a garage door opens up the room with access to a basketball court, children's play area, baseball field and grass.

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Elks seek dough

The Ballard Elks Lodge No. 827 has started a fundraising campaign to pay for a new deck overlooking Shilshole Bay at their Seaview Avenue headquarters.

The club needs to raise $40,000 to build the 470-square foot deck. It will have room for five tables and feature a southwest view.

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Shellfish harvesting banned

High levels of marine biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning have been detected at concentrations above the safe level in shellfish samples throughout King County. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health has closed all beaches to the harvest of all species of shellfish in King County.

The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of shellfish. Crab is not included in the closure, but the "crab butter" should be discarded, and only the meat should be eaten.

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Radio days again

On Saturday afternoon, Aug. 6, more than 30 people gathered at the Norse Home on Phinney Avenue for the monthly meeting of REPS, the Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound. The highlight of the afternoon was enjoying a live recreation of a Life of Riley show. It was almost like being in the audience at the original broadcast. And afterward the group participated in a telephone interview with one of the original cast members from the show.

I can remember growing up in Seattle those olden days of the early 40s before there was television - when it was all about radio.

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