Mayor Paul Schell and the City Council have proclaimed Feb. 13 to be Seattle's fifth annual Neighbor Appreciation Day. According to the proclamation, "the people of Seattle are encouraged to observe the day by reaching out to their neighbors, thanking those who contribute to the community, and getting acquainted with those who may not be fully included in community life."

One way to reach out to neighbors is to distribute Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards to them. Twelve thousand free cards are available at all Neighborhood Service Centers courtesy of the Department of Neighborhoods and Safeco Insurance.

This year's card features the artwork of Ayse Senturk, a fourth grader at Broadview Thompson Elementary School. Ayse's drawing was selected from hundreds of student entries in a citywide contest. Ramiro Rey, of Dunlap Elementary School, placed second and Ian Anthony Lee, of Cleveland High School, took third.

One of the two cards featured last year was created by the artists of Cedar Park Arts Center in Cedar Park.

The leading entries will be on showcased at the Seattle Neighborhood Arts Celebration in the Benaroya Recital Hall from 4-8 p.m. on Feb. 13.

The Neighborhood Arts Celebration is one of many events that will celebrate Neighbor Appreciation Day. People throughout Seattle are organizing block parties, open houses, award ceremonies, potluck dinners, and work parties to recognize and encourage caring neighbors.

Neighbor Appreciation Day began in 1995 when Judith Wood, a Phinney Ridge resident, asked the City to designate a "special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other."

For more information on Neighbor Appreciation Day or the free greeting cards, call the Department of Neighborhoods at 684-0464.