Eastlake neighbors packed Louisa's on Thursday evening for the second annual Fall Gathering, sponsored by the Eastlake Community Council.

The place was already humming shortly after 7. There were so many people that it was tricky finding a way to move through the room without bumping into someone.

Alcena Plum, chef/owner of Louisa's, was hard at work in the kitchen turning out yummy appetizers. Hard to say which was better, although I was partial to the little meatloaf hors d'oeuvres.

At the door, Mary Hansen, who organized the event and also drew the poster, greeted people coming in. Later, she phoned a friend on a houseboat inquiring if he was going to make it. He was.

Chris Leman, president of the ECC, was also at the door, asking folks to sign in. He was also handing out copies of the Eastlake News and also the ECC's snazzy new membership form. 

Jules James and Pandora Eyre swapped theater tickets so they could make the Fall Gathering. "This is more important," said Jules.

Maya Vajra, an accupuncturist who works in the Areis Building across the street, came by to meet neighbors and see what was going on. She says she and the other therapists (massage, etc.) who work in the building like Eastlake because of the convenience and attractive rents. And also because of the great people.

My friend and former co-worker (and fellow Eastlake resident) Monica Guzman Preston saw my Tweet about the event and jumped off her bus a stop early so she could attend. She later wrote a blog post about the Fall Gathering at Intersect.com, noting how she felt at evening's end:

When I stepped outside, it was pouring rain. Normally, that would irritate me, but tonight I felt like puddle jumping. To think of the people I’d have missed if I hadn’t been paying been paying attention to the bus driver. ...

The more I get to know this neighborhood, the happier I am to live here. And the more I want to do to help keep it great.

I couldn't have said it better. Read more of Monica's post about the evening here.

It was great to see everyone! Happy holidays!

The hardest part of meeting your neighbor is the introduction. Equinox Apartments hopes to alleviate this by holding its fourth happy hour for Equinox community members and Eastlake residents. The event takes place this upcoming Thursday, April 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. in their Jewel Box Concierge Building, at 1520 Eastlake Ave. E.

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with their neighbors while enjoying light beverages and snacks.

Riverstone Residential, the property manager for Equinox Apartments, has decided to host these bi-monthly Equinox happy hours in order to open the doors of their property to the surrounding Eastlake neighborhood and further the sense of community in the area.

“We see a lot of people who are very curious about our building and just want to check out their neighbors,” said Equinox Leasing Specialist Cara Cox. “They’ve been watching this building getting built over the last two years in their neighborhood and want to know what kind neighbors they are going to have.... (more)

Next Tuesday is Bastille Day and what better way to acknowledge French independence than with a community work party to clean up the Eastlake Bouledrome for the season?

A group of neighbors gathered Friday evening at the Bouledrome, located in the street end park at Fairview East where East Louisa would intersect (if only Louisa went through). It was a great chance to help the neighborhood and find out a little history of the park and the Bouledrome (and learn how to play petanque).

Linda Furney, Carsten Stinn and their son, Enzo (Teamenzo), were instrumental (with the help of many neighbors) in getting the project done in 2006. According to a blog post from Teamenzo in 2007, it took about six months of working with various City departments and local businesses to create the Bouledrome and petanque court.

The site had previously been parking for a dock and boat repair business. When the business was closed and the dock replaced by houseboats, the street end became available for development. Teamenzo and other neighbors sprang into action to make the park and petanque court a reality.

Dirt for the court came from Safeco Field. The special clay soil used on the pitcher's mound is rotated every two months, Carsten said, and he was able to get some for free. Granite curb stones removed from Pioneer Square were obtained from the city and form the edges of the court. Linda wrote the explanation of petanque that is on a plaque next to the court.

I'm not going to go into all the details of how you play petanque, mainly because I don't know them. You can read more about the game on the Petanque America web site (they also sell equipment).

It's the French variation on the Italian game of "bocci." In brief, the small orange ball you'll see in the photos is called the "piglet." The idea is to roll the large silver balls as close to the piglet as possible. Beyond that, you're going to have to ask Linda and Carsten.

Helping out with the clean up party Friday were Teamenzo (Linda, Carsten and Enzo), Marsh and Sue Bugge, Canek Gordillo and Kate Milenba, Tim Ahlers and yours truly.

The Bouledrome is always looking for new players and for people willing to help out. One concern is getting enough water to plants around the court. If you'd like to help out or play, wander down in the evenings and there's likely someone around who can show you the game or talk to you about volunteering. 

Check the Petanque America web site for more information, including more photos and a story about the Eastlake Bouledrome.