West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
The countdown and light-up came earlier than expected at tonight’s West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting. The crisply planned program moved swiftly – one performance needed to be moved back, so another was moved up, and that led to some time-filling with a little unexpected comedy. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Again this year, the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band, directed by Marcus Pimpleton, kicked off the event:
Sealth’s band was the opening act; here’s our video of the entire event that followed:
On behalf of the sponsoring West Seattle Junction Association, for which she serves as vice president, Bakery Nouveau co-proprietor Heather Leaman greeted the crowd gathered in Junction Park Plaza:
Words of cheer ensued from emcee Josh Sutton (below left) of the West Seattle YMCA and from Dave McCoy (below right) of Emerald Water Anglers, photographed with event manager Oliver Little:
(The Y and EWA are both WSB sponsors.) As they do each year, the Endolyne Children’s Choir provided cheery carols (see them at 2:16 into our full-event video):
Things moved along so quickly, the next scheduled performer wasn’t on hand yet – so a little time had to be filled while things changed up. Emcee Sutton solicited holiday jokes from the kids standing right up by the stage:
The humor was a little grim, if creative, as you can hear for yourself for about two minutes starting at 12:40 into the full-event video (right before Jay Cates and friends’ jazzy holiday music). The tree countdown starts at 17:50 (and ended a bit early, in keeping with the night’s theme). Cates and band continued the holiday serenade, with the finale from the new ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) production “Judy’s Scary Little Christmas,” and then it was back to the Junction Holiday Party – after a moment of stopping to admire the tree.
More Hometown Holidays fun tomorrow – mule-drawn carriage rides 10 am-2 pm from California/Alaska, and a Santa meet-and-greet (BYO camera) at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska) those same hours. See you there!
The West Seattle Junction‘s Christmas tree is lit, as of about an hour ago. We’ll have full coverage of the celebration in a separate story, but first – The Junction’s first-ever Holiday Party late-shopping event, before/during/after the tree lighting, continues until 8 pm. The decorations in the heart of the business district have an extra-festive touch – look closely and you’ll even see little candles:
Many shops have special events – Sarah Loertscher and her jewelry are at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor):
Dasher the holiday-cheer ambassador was sighted at CAPERS (which shared the photo):
Here’s the list of who is doing what. If you miss the chance to shop late tonight, there are two more Shop Late Thursdays, the 11th (which is also Art Walk night) and 18th. And in The Junction tomorrow, along with the regular Farmers’ Market 10 am-2 pm, you’ll also find carriage rides and a Santa meet-and-greet – details are in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
He sees you when you’re sleeping … he sees when you’re awake …” The all-seeing Santa can even see you when you’re smiling right behind him. So went the holiday joy this morning during the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree – which had one big change this year:
It happened bright and early this morning at Sears in Southcenter – after many years at Sears in SODO, which closed earlier this year, requiring the Rotarians to find someplace new to bring the dozens of students who would spend the morning shopping with volunteers.
It’s a huge effort to organize – so the Rotarians are joined by many other volunteers, including other service organizations, like the Omega Psi Phi fraternity:
Participating kids also get to dine during the spree, and Southcenter’s Rainforest Café stepped up to help with that:
That’s Rotarian Dave Nichols with one of the café mascots. As always, kids went home with new wintertime wear, to be sure they’ll stay warm:
And they’ll remember warm smiles, like that of Rotarian Tara Luckie:
The club has fundraisers throughout the year to pay for the annual Shopping Spree – here’s how to donate.
And if you’re interested in checking out Rotary membership, stop by one of their weekly lunch meetings, usually noon Tuesdays at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor).
First we got a text saying that protesters downtown were blocking the Seneca offramp from the Alaskan Way Viaduct; minutes later, a tweet suggested the protest was wrapping up, but now Seattle Police just tweeted:
Protesters at 1 AV/Battery St. have begun throwing rocks at officers. One under arrest. Ramps to the viaduct will be blocked in the area.
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) December 6, 2014
No word how long this might last, but if you’re downtown trying to get to The Viaduct or vice versa, now you know.
P.S. Just a reminder that a *scheduled* closure of Highway 99, both ways, is still on for late tonight/early tomorrow morning, 11:59 pm-5 am.
Deb reports her husband’s black 1996 Honda Civic DX 2-door coupe was stolen sometime between 7 pm Friday and 7 am today on 31st SW in Westwood – license ALL7382. One distinctive feature – the bumper and fenders were recently replaced, so they were “primer black.” If you see the car, call 911.
One person who recently reported a coyote sighting phrased it more as a surprise that they are in West Seattle. So that’s why we mention them from time to time … in hopes fewer will be surprised. That report was from a man out with his 3-month old daughter who saw it in the 37th/Hudson vicinity. Other recent reports include an early-morning sighting as a coyote emerged from Lincoln Park; a coyote running down 40th SW in Gatewood, toward Othello; one jumping over a 6-foot fence in Arbor Heights to try to get a backyard chicken; two in Highland Park around HP Way and Othello; 6700 block of 42nd in Morgan Junction; and one near Fauntleroy and Dawson.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE ONE? As the experts advise – try to scare it away – shout, wave, throw rocks, and remove every source of food you can (that includes outdoor pet food as well as small pets themselves, although experts say they more often eat small wild animals such as rats). Want to see where else they’ve been reported in the six-plus years we’ve been publishing sightings? Click the word “coyotes” under the headline of this story, to reach the archive.
10:53 AM: Another widespread power outage that’s mostly south of us – but it’s affecting the lights at a key intersection on the southeast edge of West Seattle, a texter just confirmed, saying the 4th/Roxbury/Olson lights are out (treat it as a stop-all-ways intersection until they’re back!). Here’s the City Light map showing the outage affecting areas of South Park, North Highline, south White Center, Top Hat, and Boulevard Park.
11:28 AM: Except for Boulevard Park and vicinity, the SCL map now shows most have their power back. (For the record, here’s a screengrab showing the full area that WAS affected.)
Santa Claus‘s day started well before dawn – and the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s annual Community Pancake Breakfast is one place you’ll find him. The breakfast continues until 11 am and diners get a free Santa photo – that includes the West Seattle High School Key Club (a Kiwanis youth project), who were with him when we got to that side of the room at the Alki Masonic Hall. A bustling room, too:
All around the room, helpers including local Boy Scouts are making sure things run smoothly. In the kitchen, Kiwanians are busy cooking pancakes and sides:
West Seattle Hi-Yu royalty is on hand, not just because it’s one of their community appearances, but also in this case, Junior Court Queen Bianca Carufel is celebrating her birthday:
Next Monday, by the way, the new Junior Court will be coronated, 7 pm at Admiral Congregational Church, and you’re invited. But first, if you haven’t had breakfast yet, get over to the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds – the parking lot’s being renovated so you’ll park either across Edmunds or across Fauntleroy) by 11 – proceeds help with the club’s many charity projects. (WSB is among this year’s table sponsors, along with other local businesses.) And if you miss the Kiwanians today, you’re invited to check out one of their regular weekly meetings, 6:30 pm Wednesdays at the Senior Center of West Seattle.
(Also happening this morning: West Seattle Rotary Children’s Shopping Spree – full story to come!)
From pre-dawn until long past dark, this is the busiest day of the holiday season in West Seattle! From our Holiday Guide and Event Calendar, here are the many reasons why – along with non-holiday highlights for today/tonight:
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Santa photos for kids up to age 10 are part of the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle‘s 67th annual pancake breakfast, on now and continuing until 11 am at Alki Masonic Hall. $10 at the door, kids under 10 eat free. **Bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots!!** (40th/Edmunds – note that parking is across Edmunds or across Fauntleroy)
CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT VFW HALL: Happening at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle, 9 am-6 pm – details on the official flyer. (3601 SW Alaska)
SEATTLE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM MEETINGS: Two today at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center regarding the in-formation, voter-approved city program – 10 am-12:30 pm, on curriculum; 2-4:30 pm, on teacher training/coaching. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, all-school open house, as previewed here on Friday. (7740 34th SW)
HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT SLHS: Seattle Lutheran High School‘s third annual Holiday Bazaar, in the gym, 10 am-3 pm; details here. (4100 SW Genesee)
HOLIDAY ARTS/CRAFTS AT WSUU: 5th annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show in the Social Hall at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 10 am-4 pm: “You are invited to our fifth annual sale of gifts by local community and WSUU artists and handcrafters. You’ll find original, one-of-a-kind gifts: felted hats, knits, jewelry, watercolor paintings, designer bags and accessories, greeting cards and stocking stuffers, edible holiday goodies, glass art, fiber art, more. Free refreshments.” (7141 California SW)
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA, 10 am-2 pm at Pet Elements in Morgan Junction. $25, with $5 donated to Furry Faces Foundation; you’ll get a 5×7 and a digital file. (6511 California SW)
FOOD DRIVE: 10 am-2 pm, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northwest (WSB sponsor) Food Drive for the West Seattle Food Bank, at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy).
JEWELRY SHOW AT CLICK! 11 am-8 pm (continuing through the Junction Holiday Party), Sarah Loertscher is at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor) “with studio samples, one of a kind pieces and an extended selection of her jewelry line.” (4540 California SW)
SANTA AT SMALLCLOTHES: Santa Al will be at SmallClothes, bring your own camera or get a photo for $5, 11 am-2 pm. (3215 California SW)
GIVE THE GIFT OF VOLUNTEERING: 11 am-1 pm is the monthly volunteer-orientation event at the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum. You’d be surprised at how many types of skills SWSHS can use – come find out how to help. (61st/Stevens)
‘SANTA PAWS’: 4th annual Santa Paws event sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Realty (WSB sponsor) – “Bring your pets in for a FREE photo with Santa! 12-4 pm in the Jefferson Square Building, 2nd floor lobby.” (4700 42nd SW)
SANTA AT CAPERS: DIY Santa Photos at CAPERS in The Junction, with “ex-Westwood Santa.” Bring cameras/phones, kids/friends, and a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. Noon-3 pm. (4525 California SW)
COUCH FEST FILMS: Starting at 1 pm, this citywide-and-beyond not-in-theaters film festival includes three West Seattle venues. Here’s the official Seattle program, listing what’s being shown, when, and where. If you don’t have tickets already, buy the pass at your first stop. West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) is participating at 6040 California SW, where the documentary shorts will be shown (33-minute program in all) – the other two WS sites are 6017 49th Ave SW, with the “Inappropriately Awesome” shorts (32 minutes), and the “Mixed 1” collection will be screened at 3011 SW Cycle Court.
CHRISTMAS TEA & SILENT AUCTION … at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 2-5 pm.
More details here – and we have late word (along with the teapot photo shared by Leanne) that tickets ARE available! “The decorations are up, the tables are set, and the preparations are well underway. Tickets are still available for the fun, festive, fabulous Christmas Tea at St. John’s. The event also includes a silent auction, and the long awaited quilt raffle drawing. Event tickets are $20 per person, $10 for children age 12 and under.” (California/Hanford)
HOLIDAY PARTY IN THE JUNCTION … as part of Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB)! Multiple businesses participating. 4-8 pm, before, during, and after the Junction Tree Lighting, roam from store to store to celebrate: “Businesses throughout The Junction are each hosting events and parties on the same night, yet each doing something different. Think of it as a progressive party with drinks, nibbles, games and shopping. We’ll also be dressing up The Junction with candles to light the way. It will be enjoyable as a pre- or post- Tree Lighting Event activity but also a festive event on its own.” Details here.
12 BARS OF CHRISTMAS:, benefit pub crawl, 4 pm in The Junction – details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION TREE LIGHTING: 5 pm at Junction Plaza Park, presented by the West Seattle Junction Association as part of the all-season-long Hometown Holidays events: Josh Sutton of the West Seattle YMCA will emcee; you’ll also hear from Bakery Nouveau co-proprietor Heather Leaman on behalf of WSJA and from Emerald Water Anglers proprietor Dave McCoy on behalf of the merchants’ Holiday Party event, which will start at 4 pm, before the lighting, and continue until 8 pm. (Details here!) You’ll get to carol and to enjoy live performances by the Chief Sealth International High School Marching Band (starting around 4:45 pm), the Endolyne Children’s Choir, by cast members from ArtsWest‘s “Judy’s Scary Little Christmas,” and by Jay Cates. (42nd/Alaska)
EVENING SANTA PHOTOS … with Santa Al at QFC’s outdoor area across from/during the Junction Tree Lighting (42nd/Alaska), 5-6 pm, bring a can for West Seattle Food Bank. (42nd/Alaska)
HOLIDAY BEAUTY EXPO: 5-7 pm at Shanti Salon & Spa. Aveda makeup artist consultations & touchups, refreshments including champagne, complimentary bang trims and hair/skin consultations. (2138 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: 7 pm, “The Health Care Movie,” at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. Details here. (6400 Sylvan Way)
HOLIDAY CONCERT: Cantaré Vocal Ensemble presents Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and fresh takes on your favorite Christmas carols, 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church. (42nd/Genesee)
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: Join Twelfth Night Productions this holiday season for the radio-play edition of the much-loved holiday tale, 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at brownpapertickets.com/event/917572 or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
‘JUDY’S SCARY LITTLE CHRISTMAS’: Holiday show at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 7:30 pm. Buy tickets online here. (4711 California SW)
AND THOSE ARE JUST THE HIGHLIGHTS … browse the Holiday Guide and Event Calendar for even more options. Have a great Saturday!
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