Author: Kathy Schuler

DCNA is now the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance!

Longtime Finn Hill environmental group takes steps to become a neighborhood association recognized by the City of Kirkland Kirkland, WA – December 1, 2011 – The Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance (DCNA) has changed its name to the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance (FHNA) and will act as a direct liaison with the City of Kirkland following votes of its members and Finn Hill residents on Wednesday, November 30th. During a general meeting held at Finn Hill Junior High, DCNA members voted to approve a change to its bylaws identifying all residents within the Finn Hill borders as members of FHNA.  The organization’s mission statement was broadened and five new people were elected to its Board of Directors. DCNA, incorporated as a non-profit group in 1996 to “preserve, protect, and restore the natural resources of the area and promote stewardship of wildlife and the environment,” has led efforts to restore Denny Creek, helped draft King County ordinances protecting mature trees and native vegetation, raised funds to help purchase a 40 acre parcel of land known as Juanita Woodlands, and produced a detailed study of watershed issues. The revised mission statement maintains the organization’s strong environmental emphasis while adding that FHNA will “promote the welfare of the Finn Hill community by engaging in civic issues.” The City of Kirkland works closely with neighborhood groups to communicate with residents regarding issues and concerns. Neighborhood associations are...

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Should DCNA become Finn Hill’s neighborhood association?

Don’t miss these important meetings for DCNA members: Informational session Thursday, November 10 7pm to 8:30pm Finn Hill Jr. High commons/cafeteria 84th Ave and 132nd Street. DCNA members are invited to learn what changes are being proposed to the organization’s mission statement, name, bylaws, and governance structure. This is your opportunity to ask questions and provide your input. Members’ vote Wednesday, November 30 7pm to 9pm Finn Hill Jr. High commons/cafeteria DCNA members “in good standing” will be asked to vote on proposed bylaw amendments. If the bylaw changes are approved, the organization’s members – which will then include all Finn Hill residents – will immediately vote to add 5 new directors to the organization’s board. Please check this website for background info and copies of current and proposed bylaws on Tuesday, November...

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DennyFest 2011 – Sunday, September 18

The Annual Don’t-Miss Event is just around the corner–DennyFest 2011! Fall and the start of school year are just around the corner and so is DennyFest, the annual celebration of Neighbors and the environment in O.O. Denny Park.  This year’s celebration will be held on Sunday September 18th from 11:30  – 4:00 pm.  Finn Hill Neighbors and supporters of DCNA are invited to meet new friends, catch up with old friends, enjoy some good food, music and have fun. WHEN: Sunday, September 18th – 11:30am – 4pm WHERE: O.O. Denny Park, Holmes Point (map) Featuring activities for all ages…. Live Entertainment! Seattle-area original geeky powerpop quartet Wynne C. Blue and Her Troublefakers Acoustic Blues-Rock Natch’l Thang Finn Hill’s very own Michael-Ellyn & the Sun Breaks Four-legged Fun! The traditional Dog Show will continue with a Dog parade prior to the competition and lots of great prizes for the winners. Cook-off! The popular chili and pie contests are back and you can be the judge.  Bring your appetite and sample pies and chili prepared by your neighbors. Trail Walk! A trail tour will be given at @2;00 pm.  Learn about the wonders of our park and it’s vegetation, wildlife and history. Kid Zone! Arts and Crafts for children, as well as Wild Child portraits. Kiosks! Some of our local government and service groups will have information available. Volunteer Opportunities We’re...

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Two Vacancies on Finn Hill Park & Rec Board on November Ballot

Two Board positions on the Finn Hill Park & Recreation District Commission will be on the ballot for the November 2011 election.  Positions #1 and #4 are currently held by incumbents Frank Radford and Chris Johnson. Johnson is stepping down from the Board so Position #1 is currently uncontested. To file for candidacy, interested constituents should visit the King County website for more information on the steps needed to pursuing getting on the ballot. In-person, mailed, and online filings must all be completed by June 10, 2011. There is no filing fee associated with this particular election. A five person Board of Commissioners meets monthly to oversee maintenance and operation of O.O. Denny Park in a taxing district approved in 2002 by voters within the park district boundaries. O.O. Denny Park, adjacent to Lake Washington alongside Holmes Point Drive, is owned by the City of Seattle.  But because of budget shortfalls earlier in this decade, King County Parks Department, which had been charged with maintaining the park, chose to close it, putting the park at risk of reverting to private ownership based on the original directive that deeded the park to Seattle from the Denny family.  Neighbors stepped in to promote the creation of a taxing district.  Voters approved a second six year taxing levy in 2008. To learn more about the Finn Hill Park and Recreation District, visit...

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