The Council also plans to unveil a new logo at Thursday’s party (Image: CHCC)

If somebody gave you $1,000 to throw a party, what would you do with it? The civic-minded people of the Capitol Hill Community Council put theirs to work putting together a Winter Open House at the Cal Anderson Park Shelter this Thursday, December 18th at 6:30 PM. The event will provide an opportunity to meet community members and identify concerns and problems in order to build a stronger neighborhood.

“I believe that an engaged community is a first step in creating shared community,” Zachary Pullin, vice president of the Capitol Hill Community Council, tells CHS.

The council received $1,000 through the Small Sparks Fund from the The City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. “The grant is very restrictive in how we spend our money,” Pullin said. The funds helped the group get the word out about the party — CHS was happy to partner with the council and provide a giant ad banner for a civic-mind bargain — as well as arranging for food for the party, postering and other project materials.

The Open House will have food and coffee donated from Caffe Vita and live music.

“Our ultimate goal is that we are trying to draw as many neighbors, businesses, community groups and organizations, churches, schools, local leaders and more gather information about how to invest our time, time on projects, advocacy, community development, etc, as wisely as possible in 2015,” Pullin told CHS. Organizers also expect Seattle City Hall denizens Kshama Sawant and Sally Clark as well as Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim to attend.

The information gathered at the Open House will help the Capitol Hill Community Council prioritize its grant process for 2015.

“[T]he room will be open to all our guests and participants to include their thoughts, feedback, ideas, hopes, dreams and needs as far as some of the major areas of focus on the Hill,” Pullin told CHS.

This year, the community council has worked representing the community in the development planning around Capitol Hill Station as well as supporting various local events and organizations. The Council also pushed for better transit systems on the Hill, Pullin said.

The council plans to keep pushing for the betterment of the neighborhood in 2015. “In addition to our continued support and advocacy for community development, affordability and housing, meaningful transportation, a positive pedestrian experienced, and personal safety on Capitol Hill, we look forward to gathering information, hearing stories and needs at our Winter Open House as a way to inform w what projects and ideas we’ll pursue next year,” Pullin told CHS.

Capitol Hill Community Council Winter Open House
WHEN: Thursday, December 18, 2014 – 6:30 pm @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
WHERE: Cal Anderson Park Shelterhouse
COST: Free
The Capitol Hill Community Council is hosting a Winter Open House at the Cal Anderson Park Shelter House on December 18th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Winter Open House will feature delicious fare from local eateries, festive drinks, and live music. In addition, come, meet and mingle with your neighbors, friends, residents, local business and organizational leaders, city officials, and more. Plus, hear from some of the groups who are already doing important and incredible work to make our community stronger and more vibrant.

We will spend a small portion of the program asking for feedback and ideas from you about projects and issues you’d like to see our community council work on in 2015. This event is only successful if you come with enthusiasm, holiday cheer, and ideas for what your Capitol Hill Community Council can do to make our neighborhood a better place for all.

*THIS EVENT IS FREE*
Live Music
Free Food and Beverages
Holiday Cheer