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Environmental Volunteer: Duwamish Alive! April 22^nd, get in the stream, pull out the bad stuff and replace it with good stuff.  Also, Get Dirty for Earth Day, April 22^nd, starting at 9 AM.  It's a big work party at the Washington Park Arboretum.  They call it "invasive removal", but we call it, "pullin' weeds."

Events:  Pillow Fight, April 22^nd at 2 PM at 4th & Pine.  Not much information on this event.  Presumably, you bring a down pillow and start whacking participants when the whistle blows.  Also, Pajama Party, April 22^nd, $15, age 21+.  It's an adult-ish romp.  If you ever lived in dorms, then you probably had at least one fire alarm at night where everyone is forced to evacuate outside for ten minutes and have a little impromptu pajama fashion show.  Anyway, this is a good party where there are fun activities, instead of everyone just standing around staring at each other, as in the dormitory fire alarm drill.

Performing Arts: Stomp, April 18^th - 23^rd, $27.50+.  This is a high adrenalin show of making rhythm from the mundane.  It's like getting put into a head lock and having these guys wail on you with musical nuggies for two hours.  ж  Also, House of Mirth, starting April 20^th, $15+, based on Edith Wharton's novel.  A young woman yearns for a carefree life of concerts, parties, and luxuries (like who doesn't?)  Gee, what a drag, the only way she can create her ideal life is through a boring marriage.   ж  Also, Multifaith Works, April 20^th, $15, a collection of different performers for an AIDs charity.  ж  Also, Gypsy Passion by Bellevue Phil, April 22^nd - 23^rd, $30, featuring some modern piano works.

Restaurant: Fish Club.  This place has a 50's swank sort of feel to it.  Cut out of the celebrity chef mold, this place goes on to deliver on both the goods and attitude.  There are over 1,200 places that serve fish in this area, and even with all the options available, their fish is still notable.  Also, for a fish place, this restaurant unexpectedly shines on its desserts.

Kid Events: Come Fish with Us, April 22^nd, $5, the city teaches kids how to fish in Green Lake.  If they teach the cleaning and cooking part, then that's a good deal.  ж  Also, Book Exchange at Phinney Center, April 22^nd, Room #3, 10 AM - 2 PM.  Give a book, get a book; that's the deal.

Workshop: Landmark Nomination Workshop, April 22^nd, $25.  It's Seattle's historic landmark process explained.  Depending on your perspective, a historic designation can be a real blessing or a real curse, meaning a lot of expense, more development time, and tons more red tape.  Good or not, here's how to make the process work for you.  ж  Also, Artist's Toolkit Series, starting April 20^th, free.  This lunchtime series focuses on the business side of art, starting with portrait commissions, pricing, contracts, and technical issues.

Seniors: Seattle Parks to Seniors: Come out to Play.  The Parks Department has the next six months of senior events lined up.  The park folks help make the golden years the rockin' years.

Galas: Forks Project, April 23^rd, $40.  Generally, since chefs are very aware of what they use from the Earth, they're very conscious to give back.  This is a celebration of Earth Day by the Seattle Chapter of Chefs with a sustainable menu from local ingredients.  Also, A Night at the 5th, April 29^th, $250.  At least you already know the facility is cool.  It's the usual swanky round of people dressed up, with dancing and entertainment, and auction items, while holding martini glasses.

Organization: Puget Sound Croquet Club.  If anything, these guys keep a great lawn.  A good thing about croquet is you don't need to be athletic, just semi-coordinated.  There's a free Sunday clinic.

Upscale Restaurants Good for Kids:  Because the Spaghetti Factory gets old.

Ray's: This is probably Seattle's number one restaurant in terms of taking mom out for her birthday, and it wouldn't be a celebration without taking the kids along, too.  This place is a safe bet, although pricey.  Part of what you're paying for is the view and the atmosphere, but you gotta ask yourself-would you rather take the family out dining or skiing for the weekend, because the bill is the same either way.

McCormick and Schmick's on Westlake.  Actually, this place is one of Seattle's top values.  With the water view, the ambience, and most entrees priced $15-$20, the place delivers for the money.  They're also running a taxpayer's special, with particular entrees priced at $10.40, which just moves the deal up a notch from good to great.  Also, on April 27^th, they're celebrating Taking Our Kids to Work Day, providing a free kid's entree and drink with a dinning parent.

Restaurant Zoe: Named after the owners' kid, so there's some clue the restaurant works for children.  It's a little arty, and there's a complete selection of mocktails.  This place has that whole Seattle restaurant vibe going for it- the Belltown scene, local and organic ingredients, and a well-crafted menu frequently updated.

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About: Seattle Spin is a weekly email newsletter highlighting the best restaurants, activities, and venues in Seattle this particular week Contact: Publisher: Gerard Wirz; Editor: Nathaniel Hollywood; Contributors:  Mike Ford and Mary Novak .