Events in October

Tour the neighborhood's trees with an expert

Madison Park (the neighborhood) is aptly named, not only for the City park that is our primary attraction, but also for the park-like nature of much of the community that surrounds our park.  Residents of Madison Park live within the warm, green embrace of the many lovely trees that dot the neighborhood, though many of us probably don't take the time or don't have the right sensibility to notice.

Those who do have an appreciation of our natural surroundings, however, will get an opportunity this month to learn more about Madison Park's trees while on a walking tour with someone who does take the time to look and is willing to share his arboreal knowledge.  On Saturday, October 19, Steve Lorton, former Pacific Northwest Editor of Sunset Magazine, will lead the initiated and uninitiated alike on a one-mile educational hike around the neighborhood.

Described by one of his friends as "a poet, story teller and full of information about our local flora," Lorton is longtime resident of the Park; and, from our personal experience, we can add: a friendly and engaging raconteur.  Expect this to be a fun hour-and-a-half walk amongst the trees.

It all begins at the Park Shore Retirement Community (1630 43rd Avenue E.) at 10 am. The tour is free, but donations to the Madison Park Community Council are encouraged.

Halloween treats at neighborhood shops

The annual Halloween treating of neighborhood kids by participating Madison Park businesses will happen from 4 until 6 pm on Halloween, October 31.  (Kids: The tricking part is probably best reserved for use on family and friends, who will perhaps be more appreciative of pranks than shop owners will).  This year there will be a photo booth in the triangle park in front of Bing's for those who wish to preserve the memory of the big day.

Also on the spooky horizon, Madison Park's IndieFlix will be hosting a pre-Halloween screening of "Shorts That Scare Your Pants Off" at Starbucks on October 29, with small bites at 6:30, followed by movies at 7:00.  Free and "super spooky."

New book traces history of male muscularity

Madison Park author David Chapman will launch his newest book, Universal Hunks, with a soirée of a different sort at Capitol Hill's Elliott Bay Books (1521 10th Avenue) on Saturday, October 19 (7 pm).  By different we mean different: In addition to the traditional light snacks and beverages there will be a choreographed bodybuilding presentation as part of the book launch. The author will also give a brief, illustrated talk on the modern history of bodybuilding in various cultures.

Restaurant Week begins today 

Six Madison Park/Madison Valley restaurants are participating in the annual Restaurant Week this year: Cafe Parco, Cafe Flora, CRUSH, Luc, The Harvest Vine, and Viola! Bistrot.  The event actually occurs over two weeks, with special $28 three-course dinners available October 13 through October 17 and October 20 through October 24. More details here.

[Lowest photo of Burratta Salad from CRUSH.]