West Seattle, Washington
24 Sunday
Today we’re welcoming Counseling West Seattle as a new WSB sponsor:
Here’s what they would like you to know about who they are and what they do:
Counseling West Seattle is your neighborhood counseling center in the West Seattle community. Life gets very busy, sometimes difficult, so we have five counselors to serve you with an array of specialties: children and adolescents, adult individuals, couples, and families.
Counseling West Seattle welcomes people of all ages, stages of life as well as race, religion, sexual orientation, and abilities. Service to the community is our mission and our first priority.
We believe in change and transformation and experience it daily. We are a client-centered group practice and we utilize proven methods including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Solution Focused Therapy; EMDR; DBT and Mindfulness.
Our counselors are:
• Toni Napoli, Director and Founder
• Elliot Grossman: Individuals, couples and families with divorce
• Ernie McGarry: Individuals and couples
• Kathryn Vinson: Certified child therapist, individuals and families
• Katie Unterreiner: Families, children, adults and couples
• Stacey Goodrich: Adult individuals
We are providers for many Insurance Companies.
Visit our website to learn more about our counseling center: www.CounselingWestSeattle.com
We thank Counseling West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
While at Fauntleroy Park earlier today for the last Salmon in the Schools release of the season (story later), we found out that forest steward Peggy Cummings had found a dead bat in the park this week. It was a very small and likely juvenile bat, and no reason, she stresses, for you to panic, but it did make us realize we should publish this week’s alert from the state Health Department, since bats do turn up in West Seattle parks:
Since May 1, four bats found in Washington have tested positive for rabies, the highest number identified in the state in the month of May since 1998. The Washington State Department of Health reminds people to call their local health department if they, a family member or a pet interacts with a bat.
Health officials routinely test for and find rabid bats, typically during the summer months. DOH wants the public to continue to take appropriate precautions if a bat – dead or alive – is found. Try to avoid contact with bats and other wild animals; do not touch a bat if possible. If you do have contact with a bat or suspect that a family member or pet had contact with a bat, try to safely capture it and keep it contained away from people and call your local health department for next steps.
It is also important to protect your pets by ensuring their rabies vaccinations are current. More detailed precautions and information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health website.
While any mammal can be infected with the rabies virus, bats are the most common animal in Washington that carry rabies. In 2017, 22 bats were tested and found to have the virus. This is up from 2016 when 20 rabid bats were identified. The Washington State Public Health Laboratories tests between 200 and 300 bats per year. Typically, between three and 10 percent of the bats submitted for testing are found to be rabid.
The state says two of those bats were found in King County, but no further specifics. Cummings says she spoke to the county Health Department today and they said she and another park volunteer who briefly handled the dead bat don’t need to worry. “Rabies is serious but very rare,” she notes. But she also wants to remind you that you and your family should steer clear not only of bats but of any dead animal they find.
(WSB photo, June 2017)
Since this will likely get started before our usual morning highlights list goes live, we wanted to remind you about an annual event tomorrow that you are invited to join or support – retired Pathfinder K-8 PE teacher Lou Cutler‘s annual birthday run for Make-A-Wish. In June, Lou turns 67, so he’ll be circling the Pathfinder field on Pigeon Point 67 times. It’s just one way he supports Make-A-Wish>, whose official news release for this year’s run calls him a “wish-granting superstar.” He’s volunteered for the group for more than 20 years; this is his 15th year of Laps with Lou. If you can stop by the Pathfinder field at 1901 SW Genesee tomorrow, you’re welcome to join the run – as most of the school’s students and staff do at some point during the day – or just cheer him on! You can also donate online in honor of his dedication and the kids who have unforgettable experiences as a result. He expects to get going around 9 am, and last year the run went past 1 pm.
(WSB photos)
Another new sign that’s going up in the West Seattle Junction area: Quail Park Memory Care Residences (WSB sponsor). We got a mini-tour this week as the center at 4515 41st SW gets close to accepting its first residences, pending final inspections/certifications.
Having areas with familiar themes and scenes is important at memory-care centers, and in this case, you’ll recognize the scenes from Pike Place Market. Each floor will also have a lounge with an aquarium. There’s also a restful terrace:
Here’s a single room, awaiting its first resident:
The project was certified LEED Silver. There are 48 rooms with a capacity of up to 66 people. If you have questions before they officially open, you can drop by their Discovery Center at 4506 California SW.
Today we welcome Innate Vitality as a new WSB sponsor! Here’s what proprietor Kara Krause, NTP, would like you to know about her studio:
Innate Vitality is a small boutique wellness studio located in the Brace Point community, near Endolyne Joe’s. We offer a wide variety of modalities: Pilates, strength training, barre, yoga, Nutritional Therapy, and Reiki. What makes Innate Vitality unique is our community of members – who are in every age and fitness range – and we can design a health and wellness program that best fits your individual needs.
Group classes and private sessions are available to accommodate all fitness levels from beginners to athletes. So, if you want to eat and feel better or if you’re training for an event, Innate Vitality has a program for you. Our strong community membership base and small class size offers a caring and supportive environment to encourage you on your wellness journey!
Our Pilates studio is equipped with a wide variety of state of the art STOTT apparatus. All of our Pilates instructors are STOTT trained, a method that pairs the Joseph Pilates repertoire with functional movement that is scientifically based. Our Pilates reformer classes are small, never more than four people, which allows for more attention to the participants at affordable group rates.
Come check out our community! Here’s what our clients are saying:
“After seeing immediate progress with Reformer classes at Innate Vitality, my physical therapist happily gave me the green light to continue the classes and discontinue the PT I had started for left hip pain.” -S.L.
“….my results have been outstanding. From going to having been told I needed a lower back fusion to doing a Pilates program and personal training – I am no longer in pain and discomfort due to my back issues and will not be needing any surgery…” – A.H.
Services ~ Pilates ~ Yoga ~ Barre ~ Strength & Conditioning ~ Nutritional Therapy
Click here to visit our website. Use code WSB18 and get 25 percent off any package right now!
We thank Innate Vitality for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Just found out today that another regional 5K fundraiser is moving to West Seattle – on June 9th, you can join the Take Steps 5K Walk/Run at Lincoln Park. It’s a fundraiser for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. This is an afternoon event, with a festival starting at 1 pm and the 5K at 2:30 pm, all in an effort to find new treatments and someday a cure for these intestinal disorders. You can participate as an individual or as part of a team – here’s where to start.
Don’t flush it, don’t toss it – if you have expired or unneeded prescription medication to get rid of, Drug Take-Back Day is only three weeks away. Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis sends the reminder that the national event is set for 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, April 28th, and the precinct is a drop-off spot as usual, 2300 SW Webster. P.S. If that day doesn’t work for you, note that the Junction QFC pharmacy is now a year-round dropoff spot. (Photo – start of 5th bag filled by dropoffs during last October’s Drug Take-Back Day at the SW Precinct)
Providence Mount St. Vincent has announced that it’ll reopen to visitors tomorrow, after a norovirus outbreak resulted in the facility closing its doors to visitors and even canceling its chapel’s traditional Easter Mass. From administrator Charlene Boyd, the announcement:
We are delighted to report that The Mount will be open to visitors effective Tuesday, April 3 — tomorrow! Thank you so much for your patience during this challenging time.
Your support and cooperation is greatly needed as we get back to normal operations. Although you are welcome to visit if you are well, we ask that you wash your hands or sanitize upon entering and leaving The Mount.
Most importantly, you may not enter or visit The Mount if you are ill. No fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting in the last 48 hours prior to visiting The Mount.
Again, thank you for your cooperation and patience. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Mount had told us that the number of cases during the outbreak “fluctuated” but averaged in single digits.
As mentioned here last weekend, a norovirus outbreak at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle has led to restrictions on visiting. There’s a new notice today, announcing that this means no Easter Mass in The Mount’s Chapel. As shared with us by the facility, here’s the announcement from Mount administrator Charlene Boyd:
While there are lessening cases of the GI/Norovirus bug in the building, there continue to be some new and active cases daily. Because of this, we have made the difficult decision to keep the building closed through the weekend, including all Easter activities on Sunday.
Mass on Sunday will be televised in house on channel 6 at 9:30 am for the residents. But no one will be allowed in the Chapel and we ask that you refrain from visiting your loved one. If you do feel your visit is essential, please contact your Neighborhood Coordinator or Social Worker.
We realize not only the inconvenience this causes, but the impact on quality of life for our Residents and you, particularly with Easter. We are committed to keeping you informed and updating you as soon as restrictions can be reduced or completely removed.
Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we work together to restore wellness for all. To check on daily visiting status, you can call the front desk at 206-937-3700.
We asked earlier this week about the number of cases; it’s averaged in the “single digits,” according to Mount spokesperson Colleen Farrell.
Thanks to the reader who forwarded us two notices sent by Providence Mount St. Vincent in the past few days, asking visitors to stay away because of a norovirus outbreak.
Update Regarding Norovirus at The Mount
There are still relatively few cases of norovirus right now. That being said, they can easily and quickly spread and we want to continue to be diligent in both resolving active cases and preventing new ones from occurring.
So we continue to ask that guests, volunteers and community members refrain from visiting for a short time.
We know these restrictions are not easy on you or your loved one, so we will let you know as soon as possible when The Mount is reopened to unrestricted visitation. If you feel your visit is essential at this time, please contact your Neighborhood Coordinator or Social Worker.
Thank you again for your understanding, patience and help in minimizing the impact of this illness on our residents, caregivers and the community at large.
To check on daily visiting status, you can call the front desk at 206-937-3700.
Two months ago, The Mount restricted visitation because of the flu. A spokesperson pointed out that the average age of its residents is 94 and because of that, they are particularly “vigilant” in taking steps to protect health. We have a request out for comment on the current norovirus situation.
Thanks to the caller who wondered why people are picketing outside the Navos campus at 2600 SW Holden in West Seattle. We went over to find out. It’s not a strike – members of Service Employees International Union 1199NW told us they are there until about 5 pm for a round of “informational picketing” related to negotiations for a new contract. According to the union’s website, they represent about 140 workers at Navos’s inpatient mental-health hospital.
Today we are welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Project 968. Here’s what proprietor Michael Browder wants you to know:
Our mission is to provide every member and client access to researched protocols to increase the effectiveness of their workouts and provide individualized support in a community setting.
The gym name is Project 968, where 968 is the alphanumeric equivalence to YOU. Our approach to fitness is to take the typical gym experience and improve it by adding personal attention and providing instruction in a more intimate setting. The concept of the gym is simple; provide a small functional space for community members to exercise freely and allow members to feel they have a sense of ownership. Couple that with a non-pushy sales approach, free daily workouts that can be done on your own schedule and a weekend boot camp.
In addition to providing a warm and inviting place to work out, Project 968 is about supporting the local community. Although we have been open just a few weeks, we are participating in the West Seattle Art Walk, have donated to three school auctions, and offer our local seniors 50% off their monthly membership with provided exercises to specifically help them as they age.
I have been in the fitness industry for a decade and have had the privilege to work with a wide range of individuals from 8 to 70 years of age differing in physical capabilities and goals. My skillset includes general fitness, athletic performance, weight loss and increasing strength, flexibility and mobility. Every member and client of Project 968 will be provided with up-to-date training protocols to enable them to reach their desired results while staying injury free.
If you want to experience a different approach to gym memberships and personal training, we encourage you to stop by the gym and join our Saturday boot camp or do one of our daily workouts as our gift to you.
I look forward to welcoming you and showing you why we are different.
Michael Browder, West Seattle resident
4617 37th Ave SW | 206-504-7661
www.project968.com | info@project968.com
We thank Project 968 for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(WSB photo – from left, Shelly, Virginia, Cheryl, Chris, Maria, Jule F., Julie J., Karie)
Tired of staring out the window at the rain? Go wish SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) a happy 20th anniversary! Until 4 pm, the celebration is on at SoundYoga’s 5639 California SW [map] studio. Long before yoga became trendy, Chris Dormaier founded SoundYoga; she is also a Certified Teacher Trainer in the tradition of Krishnamacharya – the tradition in which all SoundYoga teachers are certified. They’re celebrating this afternoon with demonstrations, raffles, and free SoundYoga license-plate holders. Chris tells us that SoundYoga was West Seattle’s first yoga studio and that when she was getting started, they ended up buying the property because no one would rent to her – they thought a yoga business wouldn’t last! Not only has it lasted … there are new features, like the “total relaxation” setup:
You can see the current SoundYoga class schedule here.
One week ago, we reported that Providence Mount St. Vincent was temporarily not allowing visitors, so it could be “vigilant” in keeping its vulnerable residents safe from this year’s particularly nasty flu. Today, The Mount notified families and others that it will be open to visitors again starting tomorrow. Spokesperson Susan Clark shared a copy of the announcement sent by administrator Charlene Boyd:
We are delighted to report that The Mount will be open to visitors, effective Thursday, Jan. 25th — tomorrow! Thank you so much for your patience during this challenging time.
However, we continue to ask for your support and cooperation as we get back to normal operations. You may visit if you are well. You must wash or sanitize your hands upon entering and leaving The Mount. Sanitized hands are some of our best defenses for preventing flu.
You may not enter The Mount if you are ill. No fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting in the last 48 hours prior to visiting The Mount.
We will be resuming house-wide activities gradually over the next few days.
Again, we thank your for your cooperation and patience, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
The Mount is an assisted-living and skilled-nursing-care facility and also home to an intergenerational preschool, which has continued operating but had suspended visits between the kids and seniors while flu concern was peaking.
Schools are places where not only can students learn, but also parents and guardians. A potentially life-saving lesson is coming up in a few weeks at West Seattle High School, and it’s so important that we are mentioning it here as well as adding it to the WSB calendar:
On February 7th from 6 to 8 pm, please join us for our first annual LEARN™ Suicide Prevention Training for parents and guardians. The LEARN™ steps are designed to help empower individuals to play a role in recognizing peers, friends, and family who might be having thoughts of suicide, and to know how and where we can refer those individuals to keep them safe. Come learn about how to talk about suicide with your children and their friends! All parents/guardians welcome. This training is offered free of cost. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Questions? Contact Kari Lombard (School Nurse) at KRLombard@seattleschools.org or Mallory Neuman (Counselor) at MLNeuman@seattleschools.org.
ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Seattle-King County Public Health announced this afternoon that it has closed Pho Aroma (5605 Delridge Way SW) temporarily because of an illness outbreak. On Tuesday, the department said, it “learned of 3 ill persons from one meal party that became ill after consuming food and beverage from the restaurant on January 13.” While visiting the restaurant on January 17th, the report continues, “investigators identified 2 employees who experienced similar symptoms after the ill customers’ meal date of January 13.” The department’s report continues:
We do not have laboratory confirmation of the pathogen responsible for the illness, but symptoms are suggestive of norovirus. Often in norovirus outbreaks, no laboratory testing is done. The exact food or drink item that caused the illness has not been identified, though this is not uncommon for norovirus outbreaks where multiple food items may be contaminated.
The Health Department adds, “The restaurant is working cooperatively with Public Health; they closed on January 17 to allow time to complete a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the restaurant.” Department staff will revisit the restaurant before clearing it to re-open. Full details on its investigation are here.
UPDATE: As noted in comment discussion below, the Public Health website notes that the restaurant reopened on January 19th.
In the past few days, several readers with family members at Providence Mount St. Vincent have e-mailed to let us know the center is currently barring visitors because of the flu. One wondered how this was affecting its renowned intergenerational preschool. We checked today with The Mount spokesperson Susan Clark to find out more. Her response:
Like the entire country, Providence Mount St. Vincent is experiencing flu among our residents in both our assisted living apartments and our skilled nursing neighborhoods. There have been no cases of the flu among the children from our Intergenerational Learning Center.
Because the average age of our residents is 94 years, we have a vigilant approach when it comes to protecting this vulnerable population. At this time, we are not allowing visitors, including our volunteers, unless it is an emergency. We are taking additional infection control measures to prevent the spread of flu at The Mount, such as canceling social activities including visits with the children.
Here’s general state Department of Health info about flu.
One of the newest New Year’s events added to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide is also an introduction to a new business. Nia teachers who were previously at the Center for Movement and Healing in Gatewood are opening a new space, Move2Center Studio, in The Triangle. And they’re offering a 10 am class next Monday (January 1st) to “dance in the New Year with plenty of positive energy”; drop-in fee is $10 (plus tax). The new space is on the lower level of the West Seattle Veterans’ Center/American Legion Post 160 building at 3618 SW Alaska – enter the studio from the 37th SW side. Co-proprietor Melanie McFarland says their full class schedule starts two days later, on January 3rd.
If you can give blood this Friday at a mobile donation drive in West Seattle, it’ll help a local college student as well as potentially saving lives. University of Washington-Bothell health-studies student Dennise Lopez, a Chief Sealth International High School graduate, is hosting a Bloodworks Northwest drive to earn scholarship money, noon-6 pm Friday (December 29th) at Roxbury Safeway (9620 28th SW). From her announcement:
During the holiday season, your donation is more important than ever … the Blood Center sees a 15 percent decrease in donations, yet they need to collect even more blood (1000 units a day) to maintain supplies through the holidays. The Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) bloodmobile will be at the parking lot of Safeway on Roxbury on Friday, December 29th, from 12:00 pm to 2 pm, and 3:00 until 6:00 pm. Walk-ins are always welcome, but reservations are preferred. … To help ensure success of the blood drive, please make a reservation by calling or texting Dennise Lopez at 206-851-9976, or e-mail lopez.dennise2015@gmail.com.
The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is adding King County to its burn-ban list. As of 2 pm today, a Stage 1 burn ban will be in effect. Here’s what that means:
*No burning is allowed in wood-burning fireplaces, uncertified wood stoves or uncertified fireplace inserts unless this is your only adequate source of heat.
*Even those using a certified device or those for whom this is their only adequate source of heat cannot generate visible smoke.
*All outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned. This includes wood- and charcoal-fueled recreational fires.
Also, the National Weather Service‘s air-stagnation advisory continues.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Steven H. Leifheit, who has a medical practice in West Seattle and is a new WSB sponsor:
Dr. Leifheit specializes in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, which works to identify musculo-skeletal conditions such as common ailments like “joint pain,” sports-related injuries, and degenerative disc and joint diseases that would affect the weight-bearing joints, the spine, and the pelvis. His methods include various manual treatments, orthotic regimens, and specific stretching postures to help promote better and more efficient movement. These things come together, as he has said one of his main goals is to not only help people but also to educate them about their condition(s). Dr. Leifheit believes providing information that is pertinent can create a useful perspective that can help people resolve their health challenges — or at least better manage their health.
Dr. Leifheit completed college at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, receiving the Doctor of Osteopathy Degree in 1977. He also worked as an Army flight surgeon and as an instructor at his alma mater in Texas. He moved to the Northwest in 1988 and opened his practice in 1991. Since then, he has served on the State Licensing Board (1995 to 1999) and as a Trustee and Officer with the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association since 1994.
Dr. Leifheit‘s office is located in the West Seattle Junction, at 4746 44th Avenue SW, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays. Patients are seen by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 206-935-2722. The initial exam takes about 90 minutes.
We thank Dr. Steven Leifheit for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
Dental offices with art in every room. That’s what you’ll find at the new offices of Healthy Smiles by Dr. Saturay, as we discovered at their open house tonight.
When we introduced Dr. Kathleen Saturay (above, with the mural that’s in the lobby) and her team as new WSB sponsors two weeks ago, we mentioned they were moving and expanding in December. Tonight they showed off the new offices in Springline, at 3222 California SW. And there’s a lot to see!
The move wasn’t far in distance – right across the street from where Dr. Saturay’s practice used to be.
We’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, the dental office Healthy Smiles by Dr. Saturay, which is about to move and expand. Below, a message for you from Dr. Kathleen Saturay, DDS:
It is with great anticipation and pleasure that I inform you that as of December 1st, 2017, Healthy Smiles will be relocating just across the street from West Seattle Dental Center to a brand-new, contemporary, and spacious dental office as a means of accommodating our growing practice, and to accommodate the increasing growth in our community. My team and I are thankful and humbled by the opportunity you have given us to take care of your oral health. Your continuing trust and support has allowed our practice to flourish and grow, all while upholding our mission of giving genuine, high-standard, compassionate, and affordable dental care in a respectful environment.
Since we opened our doors in 2012, West Seattle Dental Center has been our home, but now that we are growing, I strongly believe and maintain the ideal that it is my responsibility to my team, patients, and community to address the need of our practice. With that said, I will be adding a fourth hygienist as well as two other dentists to our team, Dr. Pamela Lloren and Dr. Casey Jacobsen, before we move to the new location. Our hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 am-5 pm as well as the first and third Saturdays of every month, between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. The location address is 3222 California Ave. SW. Our new telephone number is 206-934-0477.
We are also excited to be adding the convenience of same-day crown placement, eliminating the need for most people to not have to return for a second visit. In addition to that, we also offer Invisalign, implants, and specialized pediatric dentistry for our patients.
I highly value your trust and support and will do my best to make the transition to our new office as smooth as possible. My team and I are more than happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding our transition, so please do not hesitate to call.
We greatly appreciate your support during these exciting times! See you soon!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kathleen Saturay
We thank Healthy Smiles by Dr. Saturay for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
| 1 COMMENT