West Seattle Blog…

Straight Blast Gym of Seattle: Welcome, new WSB sponsor

We’re welcoming Straight Blast Gym of Seattle as a WSB sponsor – with a special event coming up this weekend. Here’s what they want you to know about their business:

At Straight Blast Gym of Seattle, we not only teach martial arts, we teach movement. We strive to connect the sense of effort and enjoyment, providing an environment that is physically demanding yet playful in nature. We operate out of a 5300-square-foot warehouse converted into a martial-arts and fitness facility, conveniently located on Delridge Way, with more than 1700 square feet of mat space. Needless to say, there is plenty of room to climb, jump, lift, roll, kick, punch, and most importantly, MOVE.

Straight Blast Gym of Seattle is what we like to call the “third place.” It is a community that fosters deep bonds and relationships with individuals that are just like you. Everyone knows that we are a martial-arts gym, and anyone with a computer can Google search “Straight Blast Gym” and figure that our coaching methods are world class – there is no doubt that you’ll learn something new, and learn it well. So, what sets us apart? Why are we different? Community. Oftentimes, the sense that people truly care about you is overlooked when looking for a martial arts and fitness facility. We emphasize community because it’s the most important element in helping you reach your goals.

Most people seek us out because we are very approachable, and our community is so diverse. Our gym is not like your typical martial-arts academy, as it has plenty of personality. We do not adhere to the norms, because everyone here is considered family. People continue coming back because they see results, whether that is weight loss, increased confidence, learning martial arts, or that feeling of being alive again; everyone eventually reaches their goals, whether you’re a child or adult. Our Growing Gorillas is a children’s martial arts program designed to help your child improve focus, self-control, discipline, and a positive self-image within a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment that emphasizes goal setting and achievement. No matter what program you enroll in, you will begin to achieve the goals you’ve set.

The coaches never think about how they transform lives, because we are so busy noticing how much our students change our own lives. We offer a variety of programs for people of all ages, our youngest student is 3 and our oldest student is 59:

Brazilian Jiujitsu
Boxing
Muay Thai
Warrior Woman Strength and Conditioning
Youth Martial Arts
Personal Training
Before and After School Care

Also coming up: We are hosting a free women’s self-defense seminar on Sunday, April 27th at noon:

We will also be collecting items for New Beginnings, a women’s shelter in Seattle that does some amazing things. Here’s the Facebook event.

If you want to see for yourself what we offer and what we’re all about, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and private lesson.

We thank Straight Blast Gym of Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Next Drug Take-Back Day coming up this Saturday

If you have medicine around the house that’s expired or no longer needed, this Saturday (April 26) is the next Drug Take-Back Day, and you’ll be able to drop it off, anonymously, at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), 10 am-2 pm. That’s the only dropoff spot listed in West Seattle; here’s a regional list.

County reports potential measles exposure at two West Seattle-area stores

The latest measles-exposure alert from King County Public Health involves someone who, before being diagnosed, was at two stores in West Seattle the afternoon/evening of March 30th. From the announcement:

Local public health officials have confirmed a measles infection in a traveler who was at Sea-Tac airport and two locations in Seattle during his contagious period. The traveler is a resident of California and was likely exposed to the measles while on a flight with an earlier confirmed measles case on March 21, 2014.

What to do if you were in a location of potential measles exposure

Most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, all persons who were in the following locations around the same time as the individual with measles should:

*Find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously

*Call a health care provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between April 7th and April 21st. To avoid possibly spreading measles to other patients, do not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them you want to be evaluated for measles.

Locations of potential exposure to measles

Before receiving the measles diagnosis, the traveler was in West Seattle and at Sea-Tac Airport. Anyone who was at Sea-Tac Airport or the locations listed during the following times was possibly exposed to measles:

Seattle

Safeway, 9620 28th Ave SW, 03/30/2014, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Marshall’s, 2600 SW Barton Street, 3/30/2014, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

SeaTac

Sea-Tac Airport, 03/31/2014 , 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: terminal B

If you were at one of the locations at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time you would become sick is between April 7th and April 21st.

The county webpage that features this announcement includes more background information about measles, if you need it.

Video: Hair loss for a cause @ West Seattle St. Baldrick’s benefit

(In our video, Vincent and Lisa from Shanti are shaving Gene and Leah)
Paintbrushes are the tools you are most likely to see people holding at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District. Saturday night, though, razors and scissors prevailed. It was West Seattle’s first head-shaving fundraiser for childhood-cancer-research money, via the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Mind Unwind was the venue, but nearby Shanti Salon and Spa was the official presenter, and senior stylist Emily Austin the lead organizer. Here’s Emily with the night’s top fundraising shavee, Gene Hsu:

Emily had told us, while organizing this, that she had been involved with St. Baldrick’s in Ohio, where she used to live, and was surprised to find out that Seattle, despite being a hub for cancer research, has one of the nation’s lowest participation rates. Saturday night, she hoped, would be the beginning of an end to that, and the show of support suggested she was well on her way:

So let’s get back to Gene. For one, his fundraising alone was double Emily’s original $5,000 goal for this first event. By the time the razor touched his hair, he was up to about $11,000, and was getting matching support from his employer Marchex, he said. Plus, he was donating his hair to Locks of Love – which makes wigs for cancer patients. Other shavees included Shelley and Eric Herzog:

Head-shavings happened two at a time – in the foreground below is John Trainor, who said he had been growing his beard for 11 years, but allowed it to be taken (along with his higher-up hair) in exchange for more donations:

Leah Browne just signed up the day of the event and agreed to give up half of her 15-year dreadlocks:

Local businesses and artists donated prizes for ongoing drawings. Emily says St. Baldrick’s spends 82 percent of donations on research, and she added, “I think it gives folks a way of supporting a loved one who might be going through cancer treatment or might have lost a loved one to the disease.” She’s hopeful the event will grow year by year … so start growing your hair now and make it all the more dramatic when you join in NEXT time! Like Gene – before and after:

Equilibrium Fitness: Welcome, new West Seattle Blog sponsor

Today we’re welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor, Equilibrium Fitness in South Admiral, offering a deal via this WSB coupon. Here’s what proprietors Dominick Viscardi and Thomas Alexander would like you to know about their business:

When you first come to Equilibrium Fitness, you’ll get a total evaluation. It can – but doesn have to – include an orthopedic check, and a general once-over. You’ll be asked questions including what your goals are and what medical history you have, and Equilibrium Fitness can create and adjust a workout program from there. They will be able to tailor your workout so it doesn’t stress out your system – they will see what kind of load your body can handle. The goal is to help you become more fit – not to “go for the burn” as is the case with some trainers and regimes, which can happen if they don’t do what Equilibrium Fitness does – get to know you and your overall fitness condition.

They will help you attain realistic goals based on their interaction with you. Have a past injury, an area of your body you want to make sure doesn’t get re-injured or overly stressed? Equilibrium Fitness will work to make sure it’s protected, as you work on getting more fit. They also offer massage therapy. And Dominick is C.H.E.K.-certified.

Use this coupon for 30 days of unlimited classes when you sign up for monthly membership at Equilibrium Fitness, a member of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, is at 3270 California SW, online at eqfitness.net, and on Facebook here.

We thank Equilibrium Fitness for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

After you go green for St. Patrick’s Day, go bald for St. Baldrick’s

Heard about St. Baldrick’s?

Organizer Emily Austin is asking West Seattleites to agree to go bald on March 29th to help kids with cancer. She and Shanti Salon are organizing the fundraising event at Mind Unwind (2206 California SW) in The Admiral District, just a few blocks from the salon.

The act of giving up your head hair, says Emily, is “a gesture of solidarity for children who lose their hair in treatment, or anyone else who has gone through the hair loss trauma while undergoing treatment.”

Cheering on the shavees – who will have gathered sponsor pledges ahead of time – is just part of the event, so you’re invited even if you’re planning on keeping your hair. Says Emily, “There will also be silent auction items, raffle items and other ways to donate. We are still in need of a few donations of goods, services, gift cards, or table ready baskets to auction off.” But most importantly:

We’re actively searching for a few more folks who would consider shaving their heads and in particular, those willing to collect donations in advance. Our event link makes it quite easy to sign up, and sometimes, people or businesses will even form a team to make things more interesting. Anyone can get involved, from getting shaved, shaving heads, sweeping hair, helping collect donations for the raffle tickets that evening, to just coming by the event and lending support.

Emily hopes to build the event in the years ahead to where 100 people will get their heads shaved in a single evening. If you’re willing to help her head in that direction – sign up here. And join her at Mind Unwind on Saturday, March 29th, 6-8 pm.

Video: Walking to West Seattle Elementary with Gov. Inslee

About 20 West Seattle Elementary students will have a lot to talk about on their way to school today – one day after a high-profile visitor accompanied their Walking School Bus. Governor Jay Inslee is trying to encourage the “Healthiest Next Generation,” and walking is of course part of it. WSE’s principal Vicki Sacco accompanied him:

One of the walkers had a bit of a shoe problem – and the governor stepped in to help:

Back on the move, Inslee greeted a crossing guard:

And there was time for autographs:

Parting words from the governor:

Also part of the event, Feet First, which advocates walking and biking to school safely – read about its initiatives here.

Delridge ‘Food Hub’? One recommendation of a new city report

A new city report reiterates that access to healthy food in Delridge is abysmal, especially for low-income families. The report follows surveys and focus groups of women in the Delridge area, and was presented to the City Council in a briefing this past week; thanks to Councilmember Tom Rasmussen for pointing it out. The report was inspired, it says, by the Seattle Women’s Commission and Councilmember Mike O’Brien looking into a Delridge community member’s concerns of how difficult it was to find healthy food in the area, even if she took transit to the store, complicated by the logistics of bringing along young children. The report’s executive summary is here, with recommendations from creating a Food Hub – maybe even with a Farmers’ Market-type produce stand – to transportation improvements, to supporting the Delridge Grocery co-op startup that’s aiming to open its market later this year. Here’s the slide deck shown at the briefing.

SODO Health & Performance/SODO Crossfit: New WSB sponsor

Today we welcome one of our newest sponsors: West Seattleite-owned SODO Health & Performance and SODO CrossFit. As a new sponsor, they get the chance to tell you about what they do:

SODO CROSSFIT: One of the things members tell us they love about us is our location. If you prefer training before work, but then find yourself fighting bridge traffic after your workout in West Seattle, you will love the convenience – we’re on 6th Ave S, across the street from Franz Bakery. We have classes at 6:00 and 7:00 am so you can get out of West Seattle before “the 7:05 rush.” When you finish training, use our showers and dressing rooms to clean up before heading to work and completely bypass the West Seattle Bridge traffic.

At SODO CrossFit, we train to be durable, healthy and fit. Injury prevention and feeling better, as well as stronger, are our primary goals. All our coaches have a wide depth of knowledge and numerous coaching certifications that include, but also go beyond, CrossFit. Plus our head coach, Dr. Michael Ross DC, CSCS, a Sports Chiropractor, is an exercise-rehabilitation specialist and manual therapist who also has numerous coaching certifications in addition to CrossFit.

Members say they trust us and have confidence in our methods because of our extensive training and rehabilitation knowledge. They say this makes us different from other facilities in the area and gives them assurance they are receiving the best training possible with the lowest risk of injury.

SODO HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE: We offer a multi-disciplinary clinic of Sports Chiropractic, Active Release Technique, Therapeutic Massage, Exercise Rehabilitation, Sports Acupuncture and Sports Naturopathic. Patients tell us how much they appreciate our approach to wellness – that we provide short-term, active-based care, emphasizing long-term results. Our goal is to get you better so you can return to your health and fitness goals as soon as possible with minimal visits to any doctor.

Dr. Michael Ross, DC, CSCS, has been a 42-year resident of West Seattle, all the way back to Genesee Hill Elementary. With decades of experience between our coaches and practitioners, we have put together a great combination of fitness, health, and wellness, in our small West Seattle office and our new SODO location, 2920 6th Ave. S., 206-932-7943.

We thank SODO Health & Performance and SODO CrossFit 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.

Well Medical Arts: New WSB sponsor for Inner Health, Outer Beauty

This afternoon we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Well Medical Arts. As is our tradition, we offer new local sponsors the chance to tell you about what they do:

Make 2014 the year for you! Come visit us at Well Medical Arts and learn how to treat yourself every day of the year. Learn about our vitamin-deficiency testing or our fabulous new Laser resurfacing for your face. No matter your concern, Dominique Well, ARNP, addresses your issue with total quality treatment and a great value for your money. For new patients, we have a special offer of 5 free units of Botox if you purchase 20! Do schedule your free consultation soon and see exactly what happens within the healing walls of Well Medical Arts, a unique boutique of Inner Health, Outer Beauty.

Well Medical Arts has four special events coming up: Tomorrow (Thursday, January 30th), introducing our special CLEANSE Series, 6 pm-8 pm; Thursday, February 6th, HCG Diet Clinic, 6 pm-8 pm; February 14th and 28th, come learn about the new semi-permanent filler Aretfill (by appointment only). Call now to reserve your spot! 206-935-6789.

Well Medical Arts is at 9025 35th SW, and online at wellmedicalarts.com.

We thank Well Medical Arts 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.

Starless night: Newest starfish (sea stars) survey in West Seattle waters

Months after first word of starfish (sea stars) dying off in many areas – particularly here in Northwest waters – scientists still haven’t figured out why. British Columbia, one of the first places where it was noticed, remains perplexed. Californians have noticed. Here in West Seattle, eco-advocate “Diver Laura” James has been taking periodic surveys in “Cove 1″ at Seacrest to survey the situation. As the video shows, still pretty bleak. But this dive was more than a survey, Laura explains:

Saturday night was a bit of a departure from our regular survey dives. A researcher up at the Port Townsend marine labs has 30 healthy stars and was ready to do an experiment to help understand the transmission of the disease, but was having a bit of a hard time getting some sick subjects. Pycnopodia (the sunflower star) like the ones that we helped collect up at Mukilteo all die too fast once they are infected. So it was up to us to find some either _very_ freshly sick pycnopodia (who could make it to the labs) or more likely some of the purple stars (pisaster) that we’ve been videoing at cove 1. Luckily I’ve learned to recognize the early stages of the illness in the Purple stars and also the Orange colored mottled stars. Each has its own subtlety and can only be seen when you have spent some time studying the healthy counterparts side by side with video of the sick.

My concern on this dive started early:

Click to read the rest of Starless night: Newest starfish (sea stars) survey in West Seattle waters…

Hot stuff! Brand-new sauna open at Southwest Pool

The new sauna at city-run Southwest Pool is open – so in case you hadn’t heard, we’re sharing the news, and photos, from assistant aquatics coordinator Matt Richardson:

Southwest Pool’s new sauna is open!

We invite all of our adult swimmers and water exercisers to try out the new sauna. Use of the sauna is included in your regular swim fee during adult and senior programs. Please read and follow the posted safety rules.

Come on in and smell the new cedar.

We are really excited and know that it was worth the wait.

The sauna measures 10 X 12 feet and is kept at 160 degrees. It was purchased with a loan from Rev-Eck and Meadowbrook Councils. It is part of our fitness-room-upgrade project. The remainder of the project is waiting on DPD construction permits. It should be completed over the next six months to a year. It includes leveling a concrete floor, HVAC, emergency egress, electrical and weight equipment for a total investment close to $120,000. It should not require shutting down the pool to complete the project.

Call the pool at 206-684-7440 for information about adult swimming and water aerobics.

Haven’t been to Southwest Pool? It’s at 2801 SW Thistle; you can see its schedule online.

West Seattle restaurants: Saigon Boat Café closed by health inspector

9:53 AM: Just in from King County Public Health:

Saigon Boat Café, located at 2632 Alki Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116, was closed by a Public Health food inspector on January 6, 2014 at 5:00 pm for the following food safety violations:

Potentially hazardous foods at unsafe temperatures
Improper cooling of potentially hazardous food
Foods not protected from cross-contamination
Poor personal hygiene practices: handwashing
Equipment/utensils not properly sanitized
Handwashing facilities inaccessible and not working

The establishment will be reopened once the inspector confirms that all issues have been resolved.

We’ll check back, and you can also watch its status at the county website.

(Side note – the restaurant is located in a building set for replacement by a development project that goes to Design Review next month.)

ADDED 11:30 AM: A commenter reminded us that this is not the first time a Public Health inspector has closed Saigon Boat Café – the closure in February 2010 was attributed to a lack of proper permits/plans; the restaurant reopened two months later.

Stage 1 burn ban for King County, but not until Christmas night

Just announced by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency:

Due to increasingly stagnant weather conditions, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties, effective at 5 p.m. on December 25, 2013. This ban remains in effect until further notice.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.
No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.
Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

It is OK to use natural gas, propane, pellet and EPA-certified wood stoves or inserts during a Stage 1 burn ban.

Teen runner in the house? New group in the new year

West Seattle teenagers interested in running are invited to be part of a new group launching early in the new year. The announcement was shared by Emma:

Starting January 4th, West Seattle Runner will offer a free teen running group every Saturday at 11 am for those in high school and college. This will be a great place to meet other youth who enjoy running, train for races like 5Ks and half marathons, and improve overall fitness.

Lori McConnell, co-owner of West Seattle Runner, wanted to start this group because “As a long distance runner, the owner of a running store, and a therapist for youth and athletes, I saw the need. I have heard from teens that they would like to run more, but in the dark winter, they are limited because they don’t want to run alone. I also want to introduce the joy of running to youth. It is a healthy activity for them to spend time doing, it gives a sense of belonging, and it increases confidence. Also, running is a way to build good mental health and helps with learning. I wanted an opportunity to connect like-minded teens in a social way.”

A Facebook group called “West Seattle Teen Running Group” has been created and will be the central place for future information about this upcoming running group. If you have questions, contact Lori at lori@westseattlerunner.com or call West Seattle Runner at 206-938-0545.

West Seattle scene: Finished floragraph for Joshua Waleryszak

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
That’s the floragraph of Joshua Waleryszak, whose mom Judy Waleryszak finished it tonight at Forest Lawn in West Seattle, 20 years after losing her 12-year-old son to complications of developmental disabilities. It’s his portrait in plant material, ready for the 2014 edition of the Rose Parade float honoring organ donors – as explained in our preview, Joshua’s death meant life-saving donations for three people.

(Photo courtesy Alyson Hallberg)
Joshua’s story is told here, on the website about this year’s Donate Life float, which will include the floragraph just completed by his mom.

West Seattle weather: Countywide burn ban going up to Stage 2

As of 2 pm, King County will be under a Stage 2 burn ban, elevated from yesterday’s announcement. Here’s what the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency says that means:

*No burning is allowed in ANY wood-burning fireplaces, wood stoves or fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified) or pellet stoves. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled. The only exception is if a wood stove is a home’s only adequate source of heat.

*No outdoor fires are allowed. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

*Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

*It is OK to use natural gas and propane stoves or inserts during a Stage 2 burn ban.

This might not last too long – breezes up to 15 mph are in the forecast for tomorrow, and possible rain on Thursday night.

West Seattle development: New sign of planned memory-care facility on Junction site

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
A sign has just gone up at 4515 41st SW in The Junction, announcing “Quail Park Memory Care Residences of West Seattle” is on the way – here’s a closer look:

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)
This is the same long-vacant site (map) mentioned in a WSB report from October 2012, noting that a city Department of Planning and Development webpage featured an early-stage filing “proposing construction of a new 50-60 unit Alzheimer’s care community …” with the would-be applicant inquiring about any similar projects in West Seattle. The North Seattle address on that filing is the same one listed for Living Care Lifestyles, the company on the new sign; its website does not mention the 41st SW plan, nor does the DPD webpage include any new filings, but we have an inquiry out and will update whenever we hear back. The site (which has had multiple previous proposals that didn’t go through) is adjacent to the 41st/Oregon townhouse plan reported here two months ago; at least one other senior-care project is expected to be on the local drawing boards soon, since as we reported last week, Aegis Living is buying the former Life Care Center site at 47th/Admiral.

Holy Rosary gets Franciscan grant for student’s winning billboard

An exciting celebration at Holy Rosary School on Friday – the prize presentation for its winning student billboard artist!

This all goes back to June, when we published the art created by the finalists in the Franciscan Health System (WSB sponsor; formerly Highline) contest after they invited local students to write and illustrate healthy-living tips, with the winner to be put up on a billboard alongside the West Seattle Bridge. The winner was Holy Rosary student Audrey Kline (at center in our photo above, with HR’s Father John Madigan and the other HR finalists in the contest). In case you missed seeing Audrey’s art on the billboard, here it is again:

Audrey’s win was announced in September (WSB coverage here); then on Friday, Franciscan Health System leaders came to Holy Rosary to present the other part of the prize – a $500 grant for health education at the school.

P.S. Back in September, after the event announcing the winning billboard, we had first word of Franciscan’s plan to move its Roxbury clinic to Westwood Village. We learned yesterday that they are aiming for an opening date in mid-December.

Another ‘Team Tracy’: This time, fighting pancreatic cancer

(Click image for larger view; Tracy Burrows is the signholder in the center)
Another cancer-fighting “Team Tracy” has emerged in West Seattle – this time, rallying with the color purple, the official color of the fight against pancreatic cancer. The photo is shared by Madalyn, who explains the photo and its inspiration, as well as the namesake of this “Team Tracy,” who gathered for an event on Sunday:

Hi, my name is Madalyn Mincks and I live in West Seattle and I, like many of you, are friends and acquaintances of West Seattle’s Tracy Burrows. Tracy has been featured in our great West Seattle Blog on many occasions and she is extremely active with West Seattle High School’s PTSA, serving as President this year. In September, Tracy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has recently completed her third round of chemotherapy at SCCA Clinic.

Tracy is one of the most inspiring, intelligent, humorous and positive people most of us have ever met. Our friendships and her courage brought together over 80 participants in support of Team Tracy yesterday morning.

I would like to share a photo from yesterday’s PurpleStride Walk/Run. Magnuson Park was a beautiful location and over $222,000 was raised in the fight against pancreatic cancer. It was a powerful and inspiring day! The event was also a way to to kick off November as National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!

When I asked if Tracy would be okay with my posting of the photo, she said yes and further commented that “Hopefully it will be inspiring to other folks who are in this cancer fight along with me.”

The PurpleStride event raised money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). According to the event website’s homepage, Team Tracy was a top-5 fundraiser!

Learn about the ‘Power of Parents’ with WSHS PTSA

As a followup to last month’s community meeting about youth drug/alcohol-use concerns, a special parent workshop is planned during this Wednesday’s West Seattle High School PTSA meeting, and all are welcome. Here’s the announcement:

Join the WSHS PTSA on Wednesday, November 6th, from 7 pm-8:30 pm in the West Seattle High School library. We will be hosting Mike Graham-Squire from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), who will present a “Power of Parents” workshop – a parent guidebook that will help families talk to their kids while using positive parenting techniques that have been proven to help reduce underage drug and alcohol use will be distributed to attendees.

We’ll entice you with tantalizing details of the upcoming Reaching for the Stars auction! Have you donated your item and purchased your ticket? It will be a very fun night – and the best part is that it will benefit the students and staff at the school.

All are welcome. To access the library, enter the building through the side door in front of the visitor parking stalls.

That’s the main lot, at 3000 California SW. P.S. Regarding the WSHS gala – ticket deadline is just one week away; here’s where to get tickets and info.

West Seattle Women’s Health and Midwifery, PLLC: Welcoming a new WSB sponsor

Today we welcome West Seattle Women’s Health and Midwifery, PLLC, one of the newest WSB sponsors. As is traditional when a new local sponsor joins the team, we offered Dr. Shari Luchino the opportunity to let you know more about her work:

A Place for Women! Welcome to our lovely location in the West Seattle Junction. Dr. Shari Luchino, DNP, ARNP, CNM, Nurse Practitioner-Certified Nurse Midwife, is providing compassionate, personalized care for all women’s-health (gynecology), pregnancy, homebirth and birth-center needs, caring for women throughout their lives. Easy access, free parking, generous appointment time. Shari has raised her family in West Seattle and is excited to offer the supportive, woman-centered care of a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Midwife to her community.

West Seattle Women’s Health and Midwifery, PLLC, is at 4727 44th Ave SW, Suite 207. Call 206-588-2976; online, find out more at westseattlewomenshealth.com.

We thank West Seattle Women’s Health and Midwifery, PLLC, 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.

‘Dance MS’: Join West Seattle Big Band tomorrow night for music, dancing, food, and the fight against multiple sclerosis

The West Seattle Big Band is a mainstay at events around the area – from the annual Hi-Yu Concert in the Park to collaborative events with local schools, and more – usually as a guest, but this time they’re organizing an event and personally inviting you to come help support an urgent cause. From WSBB’s Jim Edwards:

From time to time the West Seattle Big Band strays from its mission statement of supporting public-school music programs in West Seattle, and devotes a concert to some other need. A year ago our piano player Brooke was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She asked the band if we would be interested in doing a concert in support of the MS Society. We wholeheartedly agreed.

Thus was born this new event, Dance MS.

On the evening of Saturday, November 2nd, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the West Seattle Senior Center, we will be performing a concert of great swing-band music with our 18 piece band. All proceeds will go to the MS Society. The band will provide food and refreshments. The suggested donation is $15.00.

Since announcing this event, we have been surprised at how many people we have talked to who know at least one person stricken with this disease. MS is an autoimmune disease that damages nerves and can impair vision and mobility. It can also affect thinking and memory. The occurrence of MS in the Pacific Northwest is about triple the level in the Southern United States and many more times higher than elsewhere in the world.

Now you may know MS as that disease that Annette Funicello had, or maybe you read about Ann Romney or Montel Williams living with it. Perhaps you’ve just seen advertising for the annual MS Walk. But when it strikes someone you know, it takes on a bigger meaning. When you read about the disease and it’s effects on the human body, it takes on a new urgency.

Our Brooke has a background in medical sciences and is better suited then most to know what will work to help slow this disease. So we anticipate her being around the band for a long time to come. But she has helped us to appreciate the need to support the MS Society, and to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

So come Dance, or just come watch and listen. We will be playing all your favorite big band hits, including vocals from both our vocalists Jeff Carter and Sarah Ackers. We hope you will come join us Saturday.

RSVP to WSBBdanceMS@gmail.com

Family physician Dr. Sachi Brittin, MD: New WSB sponsor

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, board-certified family-medicine physician Dr. Sachi Brittin, MD, who is now seeing patients in West Seattle. New WSB sponsors get the chance to tell you about themselves; here’s what Dr. Brittin would like you to know:

“I am committed to patient-centered care. I believe that the patient and physician can work together as a team to reach goals of healthy living. I am compassionate and strongly believe in taking the time to listen to a patient’s needs and concerns. I have recently traveled overseas to Nepal and India and welcome patients from all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

“My patients usually say that they appreciate that I take the time to listen. I am interested in them as a whole person and not just as a set of symptoms. I can only hope that our interaction inspires patients to make healthy lifestyle changes and to take control of their health and learn about their ailments. I think patient education is important and I want my patients to have a full understanding of their medical care. I have a background in working with the underserved and feel strongly about promoting patient autonomy. I imagine that patients seek me out because they are interested in having a physician who is caring and supportive. Our office has a fun, warm atmosphere where all patients are made to feel welcomed and cared for.

“I am a board certified member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. I have recently returned to the Pacific Northwest after being away for college and graduate school and am thrilled to be back. I am new to West Seattle and look forward to getting to know the community. I have joined my father’s well-established practice and, to introduce myself to community members, we are planning to give several health lectures at a local senior center. Please feel free to drop by and say hi. I am currently accepting new patients and walk-ins. I am a big film buff and enjoy the outdoors and am always interested in hearing hiking or camping suggestions.”

Find Dr. Sachi Brittin, MD, online at brittinfamilymedicine.com; by phone, 206-937-5356. Her office is in The Junction, at 4744 41st SW, Suite 106.

We thank Dr. Sachi Brittin, MD 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.

Fight cancer by helping next year’s West Seattle Relay for Life now

(WSB photo from June 2013 Relay for Life)
One of our area’s major cancer-fighting fundraisers, West Seattle Relay for Life, happens every summer – a memorable all-night relay with moments from exuberant to emotional. Like so many excellent events, it doesn’t and can’t happen without major volunteer help, and this is where you come in – maybe your special skills can make a difference:

Right now, the local American Cancer Society signature fundraising event is looking for committee members to help organize the 2013 Relay For Life. With just over nine months left before the Relay, the committee has a place for everyone.

Positions available include:
Sponsorship Chair: Get local businesses involved in this community-based event.
Online Chair: Manage the online fundraising arm of the American Cancer Society’s most successful event!
Team Development Chair: Help teams fundraise and recruit new teams to join the fight.
Many more!

This year’s Relay For Life of West Seattle will take place overnight in July (date TBD) at West Seattle Stadium.

Want to know more, or just go ahead and volunteer? Contact chair Santina, santinarigano@yahoo.com, or ACS staff partner Nici, nici.eaton@cancer.org. An organizational meeting is coming up in early November and they can tell you more.

Local physical-therapy clinics collecting for West Seattle Food Bank

(Thanks to Highline Physical Therapy for the photo!)
October is here and that means six local physical-therapy clinics hope to fill boxes like that one with nonperishable-food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank, whose Judi Yazzolino sends the announcement:

Sound Physical Therapy has challenged other participating West Seattle physical-therapy clinics to unite for the month of October in a goodnatured competition to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with food donations to the West Seattle Food Bank.

The participating PT clinics are:

Biojunction Sports Therapy – 3729 California Ave. SW Ste 1A
Highline Physical Therapy – 4700 42nd SW, Ste 510
Life in Balance Physical Therapy – 5410 California SW, Ste 101
Kinetic Physical Therapy – 4828 California SW
Sound Physical Therapy – 3823 Delridge Way SW
Southwest Hand Therapy – 4621 35th SW

Please stop by one of the above clinics and drop off your donation! The Food Bank will be weighing each clinic’s donations throughout the month and let you know which clinic will be victorious, but we know for sure that our West Seattle neighbors in need will be the real winners!

Find the link to the Food Bank’s “wish list” by going here.

Photos: Sports, medicine, media mix in West Seattle for ‘Jocks vs. Docs’ raising breast-cancer awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that’s what brought the “Jocks vs. Docs” event to Admiral Safeway this morning. Above, the overview, as balloons decked the checkstands where sports stars, health experts, and regional-media personalities rallied for a bag-off and photo ops.

Recognize football’s Golden Tate (Seahawks) and Warren Moon (Hall of Fame), Olympic swimming gold medalist Megan Jendrick, and soccer’s Kasey Keller in the lineup? Closeups, and more about the event, ahead:

Click to read the rest of Photos: Sports, medicine, media mix in West Seattle for ‘Jocks vs. Docs’ raising breast-cancer awareness…