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Well, well, well… In case Ballard wasn’t cool enough, rest assured.  We now have Women’s Roller Derby.

These feisty females have made the old Seattle Times warehouse their new home- I mean, Rat’s Nest.  Meet the Rat City Rollergirls!!!!!

To meet the team and get highlights, updates, and even a Hall of Pain Injury Gallery, check out their website. Warning: Hall of Pain is quite graphic. Soooo rugged dude!!!

The old warehouse is their new practice space- right here in Ballard! At 5305 Shilshole Ave NW, to be precise.  This crew isn’t new however- this Northwest flat-track, all female derby league was founded in 2004 and they belong to 1 of about 4 teams.

So, what’s the scoop? Are they any good?

>The Rat City Rollergirls recently earned a spot on the 2009 WFTDA* Western Regional Tournament in Denver, Co!  Follow this tournament at http://www.derbyontherocks.com.

*WFTDA = Women’s Flat Track Derby Association.

A little terminology for us:

Jammer-  a person who scores

Blockers- defense

Pivot- the last line of defense (last resort)

Jam formation- players move counter clockwise

Jam- a 2 minute countdown period in which both teams attempt to score

Passing the star- when a lead jammer passes it’s position to it’s pivot (optional)

Amazing.

Like good karma?

There is no better way to spend your extra time than by helping your fellow neighbors. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME at the Ballard Food Bank!

• 8:00am-7:00pm Monday-Thursday you can do time at the Food Bank- sorting, distributing, organizing, collecting, etc.

• 4:00pm-7:00pm Mondays, off-site distribution
• Donate $

Contact Peggy Bailey at here about how YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE!!!!

Food Bank address: 7001 24th Avenue Northwest, Seattle, Washington 98117

Contact: (206) 789-7800

**In 2008 the Ballard Food Bank distributed over one million pounds of food.**

What more could you ask for? Oh, and it’s free!

This event is held at the Dutch Bike Company at 4421 Shilshole Ave NW from 6-9pm.

This Friday, August 29, Sustainable Ballard will be holding another community mixer! Enjoy fresh ales from Sierra Nevada Brewing, tunes by the Max Crumble Orchestra and Dutch Bike Co.’s seven person “Conference Bike.”

Sustainable Ballard is a non-profit organization that gathered in 2003 in response to the Iraq war.  They are actively educating the community on how to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. If you are interested in joining, visit http://sustainableballard.org/wiki/index.php?title=Join.

The event will accept donations to contribute to the upcoming 6th Annual Sustainable Ballard Festival.

See ya there!

In the heart of Ballard’s suburban neighborhood, tucked away at 70th and 7th, lies The Barking Dog Alehouse.  This classy, yet homey pub is upheld by true Ballard families.  The Dog houses an intimate setting for parties of all sizes.  There is a full bar and an ever-evolving menu of local and specialty brews.  Not to mention a fabulous and full menu!

This cozy corner is regularly visited by local pedestrians is a full house absolutely every night of the week! It’s a must-visit when you’re in the mood for a low-key, relaxing atmosphere.

Take a sneak-peak of the menu:

Blackbean Nachos $9.95

Ballard “Blues” Salad $10.75

Waffle fries $4.75

Creme brulee $6.95

Some local brews:

Hale’s Cream Ale

Chuckanut Dortmunder

Boundary Bay Lightner

*also lots of Belgians!

**also a plethora of scotches!

Visit http://thebarkingdogalehouse.com/ or find ‘em on facebook!

206.782.2974

Opens daily at 11am. Brunch, lunch, dinner, drink.