West Seattle, Washington
24 Tuesday
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.
(WSB photo)
Thanks to Diane for the tip. The Swedish West Seattle Primary Care clinic at 3400 California SW is closed right now because of flooding. The note on the door, shown in our photo, say it will be closed tomorrow too. No details about what happened; we have a message out to the Swedish media-relations department.
MONDAY NOTE: Open again.
It’s not just November – it’s Movember! Maybe a man you know is taking part in this fundraiser. If not, West Seattleite Mat McBride would be happy to have your support. His before-and-after pics from just the other day:
Mat’s pitch:
Ever notice that in the month of November there’s a spike in per-capita mustaches? It’s not a trick of the light, it’s a real thing known as Movember.
Movember, in case you were not aware, is a foundation that raises money for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health/suicide prevention. The last item is why I’m participating this year. A young man I know took his life not too long ago, after some bad luck came his way. This happens too often, it doesn’t have to be that way, and rather than feel powerless about it I’m growing a dang mustache.
Why the mustache? Because people tend to say things like “Dude, what’s up with the ‘Stache?” And then, I’ll tell them. Start a dialog, and maybe raise some money for good causes as well (the Movember Foundation is aiming to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030, and I want to help them get there).
You can join Mat’s team – and/or donate to Mat’s team – by going here.
P.S. If you don’t know Mat, he is a prolific community giver/advocate – many current and past projects, including the renovation of the “castle” playground at Roxhill Park, and his continued service as chair of the Delridge Neighborhoods District Council.
Just in from Jennifer Burbridge, Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator – the date’s set for the next Drug Take-Back Day:
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications.
The SW Precinct’s DEA Drug Take-Back Day will be on Saturday, October 28th, from 10 am-2 pm at the SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster).
Whatever you need to drop off, just take it to the precinct lobby – right off its parking lot along SW Webster, east of the south Home Depot entrance – that day.
Thanks to school nurse Alison Enochs for the heads-up on these flu-shot clinics tomorrow afternoon (remember that Wednesdays are early-release days all year in Seattle Public Schools, so this is basically happening “after school”):
DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL GALLERIA (2601 SW Kenyon): Rite-Aid is presenting this flu-shot clinic. No cost if you have insurance, $34.99 if not. 1:30-5:30 pm Wednesday (October 11th).
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL (3000 California SW): 3-6 pm Wednesday. Bring your insurance card (all plans except Cigna will be billed); if you don’t have insurance, no cost for people under 18 (who need a patient-consent form signed by a parent or guardian, available at the clinic), $30 for 18 and up.
(Photo courtesy CityMD)
Another business has opened along the Fauntleroy Way side of The Whittaker (WSB sponsor).
It’s an urgent-care center operated by CHI Franciscan Health and CityMD (also WSB sponsors), the fourth center to open in two years in the Puget Sound area. We first reported in August 2016 that CityMD was on the way. The announcement explains:
This state-of-the-art center meets the growing need for convenient, cost-effective, high-quality medical care for local residents. Each location is staffed primarily by board-certified emergency medicine doctors. Together with key clinical support staff, such as X-ray technicians and medical assistants, they have the ability to handle a wide spectrum of common urgent-care needs for the West Seattle community.
(You can read more about CityMD’s backstory here.) No appointment needed – just walk in. The center’s website shows an estimated wait time, if you want to check before you go. It’s open at 4755 Fauntleroy Way SW 8 am-8 pm weekdays, 8 am-5 pm Saturdays, 8 am-3 pm Sundays.
(Photos courtesy Jonathan Rundle)
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride finally did make a West Seattle stop today – at Jack Block Park!
As mentioned here earlier, the fundraising motorcycle riders had to change their planned WS stop from Hamilton Viewpoint Park – where it turned out to be West Seattle Soccer Club Photo Day; that in turn was a change from Don Armeni Boat Ramp, which was home today to the Orca Half Marathon finish line). After West Seattle, it was on toward the Alaskan Way Viaduct and beyond:
The photos are courtesy of Jonathan Rundle, who was kind enough to let us know that West Seattle was on the route, says 358 riders participated in the Seattle edition of this international fundraiser for men’s-health concerns, bringing in more than $25,000. (Jon keeps a travel website at jontheroadagain.com.)
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