1st Project of 2012 - Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Aloha! We've been a mini break, but don't worry we haven't quit!

Our first project this year was at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library, located in Downtown Seattle. For most of us, it was our first time at this organization. Just a little background - the organization provides a free public library services which includes easy access to the informational and recreational reading materials needed by individuals in the State of Washington who are unable to read standard print material.

Photo: brewbooks

The team broke out into several groups in order to make use of our man power for the library since it does mainly rely on help from the community to maintain the books. The library sends out over 2,000 talking books in the mail EVERY DAY!!! That's A LOT of books!

One of our newest members of BVM - Susan Morgan. Putting returned books back on the shelf!

Finally the guys decide to work inside! :) Handling the digital books.

Left to right: Clint, Justin, and another BVM new member Feng Tien.

Katey putting back the books! You could get lost in these stacks!

Taking a break in the stacks - Emily and Marissa.

Making sure none of the digital books returned were damaged.

Emily and Wendle

What a great experience it was for everyone...and of course, we aren't called the Beer View Mirrors for nothing. After the library, you may have seen the team at Brave Horse Tavern for a beer or two. :)

A Day at the Ronald McDonald House

For our December project we spent the day at the Ronald McDonald House helping clean and putting things together. I think for each of us it was worthwhile, not many people would think to spend the day cleaning for others (especially when some of us put off cleaning our OWN homes..) would be fun.

Deciding who does what.

If you don't know what the Ronald McDonald House is, they provide a "home-away-from-home" for families with children suffering from serious illnesses. I could never imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes, but knowing that I donated my day to help them feel more at home, priceless!

Cleaning away!

The Team

We were glad to have spent the day with everyone at the Ronald McDonald House, and to be personally thanked by one of the families meant so much, we would love to go back!

December with Beer View Mirrors

This is a little overdue, but never too late right?! :)

This past December Beer View Mirrors took on the challenge given from Seattle Works, "Cold Weather Friends" which wasn't hard since we usually hang out anyway! So one chilly evening, Beer View Mirrors decided to go out for some ice skating (Capitol Hill Ice Rink) and dinner!

A few of us were a little rusty, and my have had to use some help, aka pushing chair... :) All -in all it was awesome! PLUS, anyone who bought a ticket for ice skating - that money is automatically donated to Seattle City Parks, Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce, plus many more orgs in the community!! Having fun AND being a good citizen!

Work Party at the Children’s Garden at Magnuson Park

Our second project this Fall season is to help out at the Children's Garden at Magnuson Park. The Children's Garden is an interactive garden, designed and inspired by children.

It was a fine Saturday morning and a perfect time for gardening. After we were received with a warm welcome complete with welcome banner and hot coffee, we were off to work. Here are our lovely pictures:

We make each of our volunteer work a work party! :-)

Tag team! Katey and Clint (photo on top); Jenny and Evan (photo below)

Everyone's hard at work. Ben takes a break to smile for the camera.

Happy at work.

More smiles. Marissa (L) and Jamie (R)

Always bright and sunny.

Group picture right after the Work Party

...And the fun continues at Ivar's

Watching Little World....

The first challenge this Fall Round was to support schools and the arts. We decided to check out a play at Seattle University - called "Little World"

Developed from an original design and puppets by Carol Wolfe Clay

Written and directed by Ki Gottberg

A woman creates and retreats to a little world of her own…a safe place where she can hide from all that is cruel. But this new world conjures up characters who emerge playfully, yet ultimately confront and challenge her. Inspired by and conceived through the process of grief, "little world" employs a reverse theatre-making method where design and puppets were created first followed by script and character development.

Interesting little play...

Those who survived the play :)

Back Row - Justin, Evan, Ben, Erik

Front Row- Marissa, Jenny, Erin

Drinks at the Elysian! woot woot!

Back row (L-R): Justin, Erik, Evan

Front Row (L-R): Ben, Erin, Jenny

Fall Outings, Beer Drinking, and Bromances..and Girlmances!

This Fall we've been enjoying the great weather, all the delicious seasonals and just everyone's company. Enjoy!

Seattle Works, Team Works Kick-Off!

SW - Team Works Fall '11 Kick Off. The first ones there!

From L-R (front) - Marissa, Erin

(back) - Ben, Erik

What to do when the whole team isn't there yet? Take more photos!

Beers @Linda's Tavern

Searching for Pumpkins at Carleton Farms

L-R: Ben, Marissa, Sheldon, Emily and Erin

Ben's Fall Party and things..

Pumpkin Heads :)

Erik's signature pose.

Justin and his pumpkin.

Serena

Emily

The Team

A Day with Seattle Youth Garden Works Auction

We spent our first project of Fall working with the Seattle Youth Garden Works - "agriculture and enterprise combine to create a practical and meaningful employment experience for youth. People from diverse backgrounds come together to grow food, and in the process develop personal connections to the food system."

Seattle Youth Garden Works hold an auction every year - "new starts Green Gala & Auction" and we had the opportunity to help them set up!

Showed up bright and early and to SYGW surprise, we got 98% of what they needed to set up done in only a few hours!! It's probably all the caffeine we drink ;)

Erik & Emily - hard at work!

Jane brought her friend, Erica, along to help out. What a sport, flew all the way from NY!!

Our finished product

And in good Beer View Mirrors tradition...

Lunch and beer of course! We decided to head to Murphy's for some homemade cheeseburgers - you should definitely try it. Delicious!

Back (L-F) - Jamie, Florence, Erik

Front (L-R) Wendle, Emily, Justin

Erik, Florence, Emily and Erin - we love our shirts! :)