day : 09/02/2014 9 results

Think summer! West Seattle Garden Tour poster-art contest, guest lecturer announced

Summer’s really not that far away. Funny to say as snow remains on the ground, but it’s true, and that’s why the West Seattle Garden Tour has just made two announcements about the 20th-anniversary edition of the event this year – first, the art contest, with a $500 prize and a deadline just four weeks away:

Our milestone garden tour, showcasing nine spectacular NW residential gardens in West Seattle, will take place on Sunday, July 20th 2014 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

We are also thrilled to announce our 2014 WSGT Poster contest. Over the last several years, the greater Seattle arts community has been encouraged to enter our annual poster contest highlighting Art in the Garden. This year’s contest entrants are encouraged to consider our 20th Anniversary when submitting their artwork. The deadline for entries is March 8th, 2014. (Submission guidelines and entry form here.)

2014 WSGT Guest Lecturer

The WSGT is pleased to present Susie Egan as our 2014 Guest Lecturer. Susie will speak to our garden enthusiasts at 12:00 pm July 20th at the Kenney Retirement Center in West Seattle. She is the owner of Cottage Lake Gardens, a private two-acre botanical garden and plant nursery located on Cottage Lake in Woodinville. In recent years Susie’s been focusing on the study and propagation of native and woodland shade plants particularly trilliums, an endangered wildflower. She is currently working toward establishing a National Trillium Collection at Cottage Lake Gardens whose purpose will be to conserve, grow, propagate, and make available the many species of trilliums.

As noted on its website, the WSGT raises money for local nonprofits. Tickets will go on sale in May.

West Seattle snow-aftermath update: Metro back on regular routes

February 9, 2014 5:30 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle snow-aftermath update: Metro back on regular routes
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

5:30 PM: Metro just announced it’s mostly returning to regular routes, with a few exceptions, which might change in the hours ahead, so we won’t list them here – check the list online. Doesn’t look like we’re in danger of the melting snow refreezing overnight, since the forecast calls for rain.

8:15 PM: And now, Metro says it’s returned to normal on all routes.

West Seattle snow aftermath: Afternoon notes

If you still haven’t been out since the record (for a February 8th) snowfall – by all accounts, including our own, major roads are clear, side streets slushy. Metro is still on snow routes. We’ll update if/when there’s something to report.

MORE PHOTOS/VIDEO: West Seattle Sunday snow scenes

(Second batch of photos added early evening; scroll down!)

1:30 PM: An aerial view begins this collection of snow scenes shared today from around West Seattle, in addition to what’s already been featured in our coverage:

West Seattle Snowy Day – February, 2014 from Jamie Kinney on Vimeo.

Thanks to Jamie Kinney for sharing the quad-copter production. On to the photo files – some are making snowpeople, some are making mega-snowballs, like Lola near Ercolini Park:

And this mega-snowball, texted to us from Riverview Playfield:

Also from Riverview, Kristin explains, “Here’s a close-up of our Snow Girl named Hur. She’s wearing the trimmings of our Saturday gardening efforts.”

Texted from Morgan Junction – after all the cars we’ve shown, finally a pic of a snow-capped bicycle:

Of course, the Seahawks’ Super Bowl spirit continues with a 12th Snowman – built by 7-year-old Reese Pedersen:

Husky spirit, too! From Al in Arbor Heights:

More photos from WSB readers – from Yma:

From “Smokeycretin9“:

And from Patricia – “Gus the Snow Zombie.” She says, “Our boys had fun and needed a little help lifting the body parts. :-) He is 7 feet tall in North Admiral.”

Quiet beauty along Harbor Avenue, from David Hutchinson:

We expect to add at least a few more to this gallery later this afternoon- thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! (Including the ones shared on the WSB Facebook page – go have a look, including the “posts by others” section – and in a comment, the other side of the “Snow Lombardi Trophy” shown in our earlier coverage here!)

ADDED 5:53 PM: More photos! From Laura at Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge:

From Leighellen, sledding with a view at Hamilton Viewpoint:

Doug B shows us sledding in Seaview – here’s Andy, with leftover Seahawks hair:

Jason spotted dogsledding happening in Gatewood …

while at Myrtle’s place, Ashfur the cat was NOT sledding:

Zack‘s snowpeople were hanging out on the deck with … a cold one. Or two:

Richard Snowman” is the creation of Gail’s son Alex, not only in honor of #25 but also, he’s celebrating his 25th birthday (and visiting from L.A.):

This next 12th Snowman (with friends) is courtesy of Brad:

And here we have Jon, Riley, Kelsey, and SuperSnowMan (photo shared by Katie):

We’re still going through the mailbox – will add more or create a different group, depending on how the night goes. Thanks again!

West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Soul Jambalaya’ played on

February 9, 2014 1:12 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weekend scene: ‘Soul Jambalaya’ played on
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

The show must go on! And last night it did:

This year’s edition of “Soul Jambalaya” went on despite the weather last night, reports Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark, who shared the photos too:

Last night, Denny International Middle School hosted a fantastic event, “Soul Jambalaya,” a concert celebrating Black History Month and the rich heritage of gospel, blues, jazz, and funk music. Student and professional musicians gathered together in our auditorium to perform arrangements from all of these musical genres.

Featured artists included the Total Experience Gospel Choir [photo above this line], Westside Blues, Figgins and Halbert Jazz, and our very own Denny International Middle School Jazz Band [top photo]. The music was fantastic — those who made it, despite the snow, were rewarded by inspiring performances. Congratulations to the Denny Jazz Band musicians and to Mr. Pimpleton, our amazing band director! Thank you to all of the musicians who performed and all who joined us!

Also happening today: Green Space Coalition meeting; two fun(d)raisers; music…

As the big meltdown continues … here’s more of what’s happening later today (besides what’s already been mentioned in our morning post-snow coverage):

Those are some of the trees at the former Dakota Substation on Genesee Hill, decorated last weekend as a show of support for the West Seattle Green Space Coalition‘s campaign to get Seattle City Light to save the site greenery while figuring out the site’s future (along with eight other ex-substations, mostly in WS). The next WSGSC meeting is this afternoon, Mary Fleck reports:

Snow adorns ribbons on trees at the former substation at 50th & Dakota St. Neighbors put ribbons on the trees last weekend to save them from cutting by Seattle City Light. West Seattle Green Space Coalition is meeting today, Sun. Feb 9 at Delridge Library at 3:00. The public is invited to join in planning ways to find the best future uses for the old substations.

The library is at 5423 Delridge Way SW.

Also ahead today, with links to their listings in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

*FREE CLASSICAL CONCERT with the Ladies’ Musical Club, 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2306 42nd SW
*ROLLATHON FUNDRAISER for Arts Corps, 5 pm at Southgate Roller Rink on 17th just south of SW Roxbury
*BINGO BENEFIT for Free2Luv‘s anti-bullying efforts: Booze, Balls, & Bingo at 5:30 pm, Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 6451 California SW
*SUE QUIGLEY at Locol, no cover, 7-9 pm, 7902 35th SW

…and more on the calendar. Stay safe as the snow turns to slush!

WestSide Baby Tea 2014 update: It’s on!

February 9, 2014 11:18 am
|    Comments Off on WestSide Baby Tea 2014 update: It’s on!
 |   Announcements

From Nancy Woodland at WestSide Baby, late Sunday morning:

WestSide Baby’s Annual Benefit Tea is still happening this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! All of our staff and volunteers have made it here without incident as arterials are just fine and side streets are melting. A little snow should not keep us from helping local families in need and it will not likely be fun snow play time when the rain hits shortly as predicted.

Today 2-4:30 Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center 17620 International Blvd

We ARE opening up tickets for 30 extra seats for those who want to walk in! We’d love to have you and share a bit of WestSide Baby with you this afternoon. Just come and we’ll get you all signed up here. Tickets are $40.

We hope to see you this afternoon!!

WSB is a co-sponsor of this year’s tea and we also hope to see you there. Traffic cameras show major roads bare and wet around the area – here are some cameras in White Center, for example.

West Seattle snow: Sunday morning updates and photos

(SCROLL DOWN for updates including lists of what’s on/off, plus infolinks. Photos? editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

(Live West Seattle Bridge view via SDOT)
Launching Sunday morning coverage. For starters –

INFOLINKS
*Metro buses remain on snow routes
*See where the city’s plowed/salted/de-iced recently on this map
*See West Seattle/vicinity traffic cams here
*See King County’s White Center traffic cams here
*See Saturday night coverage here; added photo gallery here

HAPPENING AS SCHEDULED/OPEN
*Hiawatha Pancake Breakfast, 8 am-noon – details here (see photo below!)
*West Seattle Ultimate Family Frisbee, per FB
*WestSide Baby Tea (2 pm at SeaTac Hilton; co-sponsored by WSB)
*West Seattle Farmers’ Market (10 am-2 pm; Jason reports setup is under way as of 8:24 am)
*Little Pilgrim School open house (11 am-1:30 pm)
*Quadrato open 11-8, Pizzeria 22 open at 4, as usual, per note from proprietor Cary

CLOSED/CANCELED (we’ll update this list as we get reports)
*West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) group run
*Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) is closed for brunch but expects to be open by 4 pm happy hour, 4:30 dinner
*Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation service/morning events are canceled
*Peace Lutheran Church morning worship/education canceled
*Center for Movement & Healing has canceled 10 am Nia, 11:30 am Feldenkrais

We are checking on status of today’s events – PLEASE let us know, if you’re involved with one, whether it’s on OR off – editor@westseattleblog.com is the best way to reach us. More to come.

7:51 AM: In Highland Park, SW Kenyon is blocked on the hill between 9th and 5th – we are hearing that on the scanner AND just received this photo:

8:05 AM: Hiawatha Pancake Breakfast is *on*, per comments. (added) So is the WestSide Baby Tea. Keep checking the lists atop this story for other notes on what is ON, or off – we’ll be continuing to update as we get info.

8:50 AM: Subtle signs of melting snow … clumps falling off branches; drips heard in storm drains and downspouts. Clear your nearest storm drain if you can. Forecast says we MIGHT see flurries, but otherwise the warming will continue and the temperature could get into the low 40s. Monitoring the scanner, we hear police dealing with the aftermath of last night – cars blocking side streets where they slid, etc. Some hills remain closed – like SW Thistle between 35th and 37th, reports Pastor Erik Kindem from Peace Lutheran Church at 39th/Thistle in his note announcing they’re canceling morning worship/education today.

9:24 AM: From Christopher Boffoli, checking out the Hiawatha Community Center pancake breakfast for WSB:

It’s on until noon – so you have plenty of time to go have good food and good times for a good cause. Christopher also has a road report: “Some arterials are clear to wet pavement. But long stretches of California are unplowed and slushy. Some side streets are either slush or packed snow. Very slick. Hills like Oregon from Cali to the Junction are open but untreated. People are driving too fast and not leaving enough room.” (Minutes later …) And if you have to go to the airport, @nancybooks tweeted this:

10:08 AM: Of course, it’s not all about roads. Take time to have fun, too. As is the main order of business for Joe‘s son JJ in Arbor Heights:

And this family in Admiral:

That’s one of several more photos just in from Christopher Boffoli, out and about for WSB – he noted this alternate mode of transportation:

Also from Christopher – the Farmers’ Market is indeed open for business at 44th/Alaska, until 2 pm:

And here’s his view of California SW in south Admiral:

10:46 AM: Seeing people walking along our street with sleds in tow – any safe sledding hills to recommend? Shari wonders on the WSB Facebook page. Meantime, Super Bowl memories live on in the snow at Alki – Erika sent this photo of the “Snow Lombardi Trophy”:

And an epic snowperson from T-Bone:

11:25 AM: The meltdown continues. Side streets are slushy, main roads bare and wet, clumps of wet snow keep falling off the trees/shrubs. Major event update – If you’re going to the WestSide Baby Tea (we are, and this year WSB is a co-sponsor), should be no problem getting there, says WS Baby’s Nancy Woodland:

WestSide Baby’s Annual Benefit Tea is still happening this afternoon. We are looking forward to seeing everyone! All of our staff and volunteers have made it here without incident as arterials are just fine and side streets are melting. A little snow should not keep us from helping local families in need and it will not likely be fun snow play time when the rain hits shortly as predicted.

Today 2-4:30 Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center 17620 International Blvd. [map]

We ARE opening up tickets for 30 extra seats for those who want to walk in! We’d love to have you and share a bit of WestSide Baby with you this afternoon. Just come and we’ll get you all signed up here. Tickets are $40.

We hope to see you this afternoon!!

Next up – a few other stories, a new gallery, then a p.m. post-snow update at some point.

MORE PHOTOS: West Seattle’s snowiest February 8th ever

Our Saturday-night coverage of road conditions, crashes, stuck buses is all here – and we’ll get back to road updates, etc., pre-dawn – but first, more shared snow photos (THANK YOU!):

Lynda shared the photo above from the Madison Middle School field, dubbing it “Frosty” … while Jana shared the next one from North Admiral:

Texted from Alki – another snow creation:

Ever look at a snowflake REALLY close up? Trileigh Tucker did:

Back to the snow creations – Mike shared the photo of Alki Elementary kindergartener Chloe‘s work:

Lauren, Tyler, and Alyssa sent this montage from SW Southern:

From the Junction area, Mike‘s “Sno-Hawk”:

From Admiral, Patricia‘s pastoral scene:

And from the early going – Paul shared the photo of “Jack-da-dog” in Belvidere:

As we noted in earlier coverage – the National Weather Service says this was the snowiest February 8th on record, 2.9″ at Sea-Tac. Sunday updates to come!