West Seattle, Washington
23 Friday
Cancer survivors and caregivers take first lap at Relay for Life-West Seattle. pic.twitter.com/iAm0xDgmzJ
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) June 17, 2017
7 PM: The annual all-night cancer-fighting fundraiser Relay for Life/West Seattle just got going with the opening ceremony, followed by survivors and caregivers taking the ceremonial first lap.
This year, Relay for Life is at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) instead of West Seattle Stadium, which is being readied for track resurfacing.
You’re welcome to stop by and cheer on the relay participants, especially during two more special events – luminarias at 10 pm (you can create one for someone you know who is fighting or has fought cancer) and the closing ceremony at 7:30 am. More info is online here, which is also where you can donate.
8:50 PM: Photos added, including, above, tents being put up by Key Club members from local high schools, participating at Relay for Life with their sponsoring organization, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One month ago, King County Public Health went public with alarming news: A toddler somewhere in the county had become severely ill with a rare disease linked to parasites found in raccoon droppings.
It’s so rare that this was the first case ever reported in our state, one of fewer than 30 reported in the U.S. since 1973.
This weekend, we learned the young patient is a 20-month-old West Seattle boy named Reed. His mom, Mandy Hall, told her family’s story publicly for the first time, in an online group, and contacted WSB too, because she is determined to educate as many people as possible about the roundworm known as Baylisascaris.
Their terrifying ordeal is not over yet, but Reed “continues to improve literally by the minute,” Mandy said.
Here’s how it began: “On April 26th, I called Reed’s pediatrician because he was sleeping so much. He had been sleeping long hours through the night and taking naps over 3 hours for a few days. This day, by the afternoon he had only been awake for 2 hours. They said it was likely a growth spurt and commented on great timing with me being due with our baby girl the following day … But something in me didn’t feel right. I tried setting him down to walk when he woke and his balance was off.”
We’re welcoming Sound Orthodontics as a new WSB sponsor – here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:
At Sound Orthodontics, we take great pride in providing our patients with the highest quality orthodontic care in a comfortable, friendly environment. Our doctors and team are available to answer any questions you have before, during, and after treatment.
What Sets Us Apart
Our caring and experienced team creates an orthodontic experience that is fun, affordable, interactive, and effective. We do everything we can to make sure that each patient has an exceptional experience at our practice. From the moment, you enter our practice, we want you to feel comfortable, welcome, and appreciated. Everyone on our team is excited about what we do, and when you walk into our office, that shows. We enjoy working together and even spend our free time together outside of the office!
Sound Orthodontics appointments are appropriately scheduled so that you will spend less time in our office, and more time out enjoying the things that make you smile. Your comfort is important to us, and because we work with patients of all ages, we recognize that each person who visits our practice has unique needs and expectations.
Treatment Types
Our office utilizes the most comfortable, efficient and technologically advanced orthodontic treatment options available. Regular metal braces are still the most widely used, yet other types of orthodontic appliances are gaining popularity.
*Metal Braces are the most widely used type of braces
*Ceramic or Clear Braces are made of ceramic material that blend in with your teeth
*Invisalign® are “braces” that consist of strong plastic trays that are fabricated specifically for each individual
We would love for you and your family to visit our West Seattle Sound Orthodontics’ office to meet the doctors and team! 2617 California SW – 206-935-2414.
We thank Sound Orthodontics 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.
Cathy Phillips from King County Public Health and Julianne Ruffner from the state Ecology Department (below) visited Alki Beach this morning, to sample the water while providing a quick media briefing on the BEACH program, which monitors the water at “high-use saltwater beaches” between Memorial Day and Labor Day. (Here’s the draft list for this year.)
Whether you’re going to Alki or one of the other beaches on the list, their message is to “surf the web before you surf the beach” – check online before you go into the water – look at this map to see if there’s an advisory where you’re going. The BEACH program samples water at its designated beaches every week; Phillips explained that the water is shipped to the lab the same day it’s gathered, and they find out within about 24 hours whether there’s a problem. Be careful after a storm, she warned, because rain can change the water quality even from whatever a previous day’s tests showed. You can help keep the water safe, the program advises – “pick up after your pets, have toddlers wear swim diapers, make sure young children get frequent bathroom breaks, and pick up your trash. Avoid feeding the wildlife.”
If you can donate blood, an upcoming drive in West Seattle invites you to sign up for a spot – they’re hoping to have 50 people donate:
Holy Rosary School is partnering with the American Red Cross to hold our first community blood drive on May 22 between 2 pm and 7 pm.
Giving blood is giving the gift of life. Please consider donating with us to support this life-giving organization. To register and reserve your spot, please visit: www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code HolyRosarySeattle (upper right of the page). The event will be held at the Holy Rosary School Hall, located at 4142 42nd Ave SW.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“Let this be a day of healing and education.”
That was the hope voiced in the prayer that opened the first-ever Mental Health Day at Seattle Lutheran High School in The Junction.
It was intended to be life-saving – but not dour. Humanities chair Tim Caudle, the organizer, also promised students, “Today is going to be a fun day – so you guys can learn that there is hope, there is a future.”
Parents were alerted more than a month in advance, and provided with an outline of what would be discussed.
We were invited to sit in on the assembly that began the day – with special guests from the Jordan Binion Project, founded by a couple who lost a child to suicide – a child the age of many who sat listening to them in the SLHS gym last Thursday morning – a child who had just turned 17.
This was the epitome of the urgency voiced by Caudle, who said that he and SLHS principal Dave Meyer had been to three funerals of people with some connection to the school.
The statistics told the story: Mental illness affects one in five people directly – and their loved ones.
That’s where Deb and Willie Binion stepped up to talk about the nonprofit they co-founded to educate high-school students about mental illness, named for their son Jordan. Read More
Another business on the way: Sarah Heitman e-mailed to say she’s opening a barre3 – “an exercise studio that offers barre classes in a beautiful space WITH child care” – in one of the ground-floor commercial spaces at Springline (WSB sponsor). But while barre3 is a chain with locations in 28 states, Heitman notes that she is a West Seattle resident and is “keeping it local” even more with the help of a real-estate agent, lawyer, and architect from West Seattle. She’s expecting to open sometime this summer.
Next Thursday will bring this year’s Dining Out For Life fundraiser, with five West Seattle and White Center restaurants participating. Heather Logue from Lifelong explains that you’ll be helping neighbors:
Lifelong AND Dining Out For Life are closely connected to West Seattle, because on a weekly basis Chicken Soup Brigade (the food program of Lifelong) delivers crucial food and nutrition services to 91 homebound people living with serious illness in your neighborhood! And over the last year we have delivered to over 200 West Seattleites. Many of these folks are just out of the hospital and going home alone to an empty refrigerator, so we began the “Welcome Home Program,” which provides the healthy meals and social support to keep them on the path back to health.
She adds that, “Much of our management team at Chicken Soup Brigade lives in West Seattle! This means that not only do we love our neighborhood, but we’re also often privileged to make deliveries on the way home from work.” So here’s where to go on Thursday:
El Chupacabra Alki (for lunch only)
Noble Barton (White Center)
Here’s the full citywide list of participants, including what percentage they’re donating, and which meal(s) on Thursday.
Today we’re welcoming Glo Dental Studio as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what Glo would like you to know about how they can help you:
Get to Know Glo! West Seattle’s newest Advanced Dentistry opened its doors in April 2017, in order to help people of all ages achieve their perfect smile. Dr. Ronald Winn, D.D.S., and the experienced professionals at Glo Dental Studio provide a comprehensive variety of cosmetic, restorative, preventative, and advanced dentistry services. Glo Dental combines industry-leading treatments, procedures, and techniques with advanced dental technology to produce transformational, lasting results.
The Glo Dental team is committed to providing personalized dental-care plans for each patient, flexible to any budget, in order to meet the individual needs of each patient, and with an overall goal of promoting optimal oral health. Glo Dental is strongly committed to the West Seattle community and has built partnerships with the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.
(Take a 360-degree video tour inside Glo Dental Studio by going here)
SPECIAL! Glo Dental Studio is offering a $200 care credit for new patients! Sign up today to receive a $200 patient-care credit when opening a new Glo Dental account and receive an additional +$50 per family member added to your Glo Family Dental Care Account. Please visit glodental.com/glo to for more info on our new-patient special. We hope to see you soon! Glo Dental Studio is at 3295 SW Avalon Way, 206-456-6263 (or book your appointment online).
We thank Glo Dental Studio 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.
Thanks to Stephanie for the tip – she got a partial glimpse of window wrap on the former MoneyTree storefront at 4000 SW Alaska late today and wondered what it was. We went over a short time ago for a look: It’s going to be ZOOM+Care, an urgent-care-and-more chain with locations in Washington and Oregon. Last August, we had word of a similar chain, CityMD, coming to The Whittaker (WSB sponsor) later this year.
2:25 PM: If you weren’t at last night’s STYLE ’17 fashion-show fundraiser for Northwest Hope and Healing, that video will give you a sense of what it was like, as the West Seattleite-founded-and-led nonprofit raised $205,000 to help cancer patients with the everyday expenses that unfortunately don’t stop for those who are in the fight of their lives. That’s West Seattleite Kristina Dahl, NWHH executive director, at the start of the video, which was produced by West Seattleite Edgar Riebe of Captive Eye Media. The models are all survivors, and as you can see in the clips, they have a lot of fun.
This was the 15th year for STYLE, held for the first time at Block41 in Belltown; NWHH also raises money with the annual summertime Alki Beach 5K – watch here for info on this year’s event soon – and in the meantime, you can help NWHH any time by going here.
5:05 PM UPDATE: NWHH’s Dahl just told us the tally is now past $225,000: “We could not have done it without the support of our incredible community, and we are grateful to every single attendee, donor, volunteer … and of course our amazing models.”
Today we’re welcoming our newest WSB sponsor, Westview Dental. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:
Spring is here! The grass is growing, the trees will leaf, the flowers will bloom, and the smiles will be out! Does your smile need to be checked out to make sure it is healthy and ready for summer?! Welcome to Westview Dental!
Dr. Garret Reed and his team are here to offer you a preventative approach to dentistry, while focusing on your individual needs in a welcoming environment. The Westview Dental Team stays on top of the latest dental techniques and procedures so you can have the best dentistry has to offer. The office provides a full range of cosmetic dentistry for those looking for small enhancements to life-changing smiles.
The team at Westview Dental will strive to make your experience more than just “a visit to the dentist.” They will focus on your comfort by adding enjoyment and laughter to your experience. Westview Dental focuses on family dentistry, welcoming anyone from 6 months of age to over 100. Whether you have no teeth or many, you’ll always find a dental home here. We are here waiting for your call and to welcome your smiling face!
Westview Dental is at 5429 California SW; call 206-935-8800.
We thank Westview Dental 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.
Thanks to the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 parents who just shared a letter sent to families today: The school says the county Health Department has told them a student has a confirmed case of mumps. According to today’s weekly update about the countywide mumps outbreak, that’s one of 25 cases in Seattle, 254 confirmed/probable cases in King County. Here’s the text of the letter families received:
Dear Louisa Boren STEM K-8 Parents:
Public Health – Seattle & King County (Public Health) has been informed of a student with mumps who attends Louisa Boren STEM K-8. The student is doing well and will remain out of school until no longer contagious. This case is linked to the ongoing King County outbreak.
What is mumps?
Mumps is an illness caused by a virus that can cause fever, headache, and swelling of the cheeks and jaw. In rare cases, mumps can lead to more serious complications that may require hospitalization. Up to 30% of people with mumps infection will have no symptoms.
How is mumps spread?
A person with mumps can spread the virus by coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also be spread by sharing cups or eating utensils, and by touching objects or surfaces with unwashed hands that are then touched by others.
Who is at risk of getting mumps*?
Infants who are too young to receive mumps vaccine (less than 1 year of age).
Children over 1 year of age who have not received at least 1 dose of MMR
Adults born in or after 1957 who have not been vaccinated or have not previously had mumps
disease.
If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status please contact your health care provider.
Even persons with 2 doses of mumps vaccine can get mumps infection (but the risk is less
than for people who have not been vaccinated or those who have only had 1 dose of mumps vaccine).What should I do now?
Watch your child for symptoms of mumps, even if your child has had 2 doses of mumps vaccine. If your child develops any of the symptoms listed above:
Call your child’s healthcare provider and tell them about your child’s symptoms and that he or she may have been exposed to mumps. Bring or read this letter to the health care provider.
Keep your child home and away from other persons and from public settings until he or she has been evaluated by a healthcare provider.
If you have additional questions, please contact your health care provider.Will children who do not have two doses of mumps vaccine be excluded from school?
At this time Public Health is not recommending exclusion of children with vaccine exemptions. This will change if there are additional cases in the school. Students without at least one dose of MMR vaccine will be excluded from school of a minimum of 25 days after the last case. If your child does not have 2 doses of MMR vaccine please contact your healthcare provider to discuss vaccination.
Additional information about mumps can be found at:
kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/mumps.aspxSincerely,
Krista Rietberg, MPH
Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section
The 25 cases reported within Seattle city limits are not publicly broken out by location, so we don’t know if any of the others are in the West Seattle area, but this is the first West Seattle notification that’s been called to our attention.
BACKSTORY: This Seattle Times report says the King County outbreak started last fall in Auburn. Statewide, through mid-March, this data sheet says 473 cases have been reported this year; that’s up from 155 statewide for all of 2016, Before that, according to that same page, the statewide total had been in single digits 2009-2015, following three years in double digits.
You don’t have to wait for Drug Takeback Day any more. King County wants to be sure you know about a new year-round dropoff box for unwanted, unneeded, and/or expired prescription drugs, which are a risk to health and safety if you keep them around. The QFC pharmacy in The Junction (4550 42nd SW) has one as part of the newly announced King County Secure Medicine Return program (more background here). Dropoffs are free, no questions asked; the program is paid for by drug companies. Questions? Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t drop off.
(WSB photo: FTWS founder Bonnie Katz Sailors and director of trainers Duncan Sailors)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
What Bonnie Katz Sailors‘ business is all about can be measured, in part, with numbers – inches, pounds, repetitions.
This week, Fitness Together West Seattle is about one big number: Ten.
That’s how many years her personal-training studio at 4546 California SW (a WSB sponsor since 2008) in The Junction has been open, helping people get and stay fit.
Ten years is a massive milestone for any business, and Fitness Together West Seattle will celebrate with an open house this Saturday (January 28th).
Bonnie has been working in fitness and health for a long time. Before opening FT West Seattle in 2007, she was a personal trainer at an Eastside gym, and worked on a diabetes-research program at the University of Washington.
Personal training is what Fitness Together West Seattle offers. “All we do is one-on-one personal training,” Bonnie explains. And that means they can customize for every client. “We’re not locked into any (specific) type of training … we can do anything. That’s what I like about this – we can do crossfit-type workouts, physical-therapy exercises, train for specific events, or anything the client wants to work on.”
The setting is a point of differentiation, too. Since it’s a private setting, in a bright studio on the second floor, “we have some people who don’t like the gym, don’t want to work out in front of other people, people who want the more private, personal setting.”
They serve a wide range of ages, too. And along with getting fit, you can get some myths debunked – “Some people think they have to be in shape” to start working with a trainer, Bonnie says. “We really start people where they are – at ground zero.” You’ll be assessed for your strengths and weaknesses. You might need to work on basic joint mobility before you can do “real exercise.” Or, you might already be so fit, it’s just about fixing your form.
Squatting and pressing are among the “basic foundational things,” and they’re “functional things that everybody needs,” she explains – how to get up out of a chair, up the stairs.
The need for a healthy body that works well never changes. So what has changed for Fitness Together West Seattle in 10 years?
Communication methods, for one – text messages are more common than phone calls.
She has a staff of five trainers; the director of trainers is her husband Duncan Sailors, who was her second employee. They’re celebrating their third anniversary this week, in fact.
As Duncan joins the conversation, he and Bonnie enthusiastically point out that the idea of fitness has “transitioned from a body-part-focused idea to a movement-focused idea – the idea that the body is one piece and moves as one piece,” so the training they do has “transitioned into more-functional movements. … It’s not so much about working and building and getting sore.” And they look at other components of your physical fitness too, such as nutrition, which they point out is much more than “calories in/calories out.”
Duncan adds, “Machines put you in a box … we teach the skills of exercise, the proper form.”
So, about that party on Saturday:
It’s an open house, so you’re welcome to stop by, 4-6 pm. (They’re upstairs, with the entry on the alley.) “We’re going to honor some of our longtime clients,” too, and there’ll be raffles with prizes from other local businesses. Food will be from two West Seattle providers, Duos Catering and Nibbles, and dessert from Dolcetta Artisan Sweets (a FT client). They’ll have a “train the trainer” session with a client who won a holiday-season contest.
And if you’re not already a client, note that FT does have room for new clients; they’re open 6 am-9 pm Mondays-Fridays, 6 am-3 pm Saturdays, closed Sundays. If you want to give them a try, they have trial weeks, Bonnie says, and you can sign up for anything from one session to a year of sessions. You’re not paying for a membership to the space, Bonnie and Duncan point out – you’re paying for time with trainers. You can contact FTWS online (or phone – 206-938-7828).
Big crowd at West Seattle Fish House (35th SW/SW Henderson) just before lunchtime today – but they weren’t there for the fish, chips, and chowder. It was a big media event to show off the new restaurant-rating system and signage that Seattle-King County Public Health is rolling out, starting now. Above are King County Council Chair Joe McDermott and County Executive Dow Constantine – both West Seattleites – with WSFH proprietors Senait Beyene, Muzit Evans, and Stan Evans. Here’s a closer look at the new emoji-inspired signage:
As explained in the official announcement of the new system, the first in the nation that takes an average of inspections:
The four food safety ratings are:
Needs to Improve: The restaurant was either closed by Public Health – Seattle & King County within the last year or the restaurant needed multiple return inspections to fix food safety practices.
Okay: The restaurant has had MANY red critical violations over the last four inspections.
Good: The restaurant has had SOME red critical violations over the last four inspections.
Excellent: The restaurant has had No or Few red critical violations over the last four inspections.
The window signage will eventually be displayed in all restaurants in King County. Here’s more about what they mean:
Executive Constantine pointed out that he spent a lot of time working in the food and beverage business – starting out by making fish and chips “down at Alki Beach.” Also at today’s event, inspector Ann Jackson demonstrated some of what she and other inspectors do:
Though West Seattle was chosen for today’s announcement, you won’t see the rating signs in restaurants here until April, the second phase of this year’s four-phase countywide rollout – that’s when they’ll be posted in zip codes including 98106, 98116, 98126, 98136, and 98146. Meantime – you can look up restaurants’ inspection results here.
(Navos’s West Seattle campus – King County Assessor photo)
Navos, which has inpatient and outpatient facilities at its campus in West Seattle, just announced it’s affiliating with Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System, saying this will “create the largest behavioral-health provider in Washington state.” It’s not a purchase or takeover, according to Navos spokesperson Alice Braverman; Navos is keeping its name as an “independent affiliate.” From the news release:
… Together, MultiCare and Navos will offer individuals more options for getting the care they need in Puget Sound communities and across the continuum of behavioral health care. MultiCare and Navos will work to integrate behavioral health and social services in settings where people already receive medical services, including primary care clinics, mobile outreach clinics, schools, offices and the home, which will help to address the region and state’s pressing need for behavioral health services.
… Current patients of both organizations will see little change and will continue to receive excellent care from the providers they know and trust in the same locations they visit now.
Navos started as Highline Mental Health Association, changing the name to Navos in 2008; MultiCare’s history is here. Their affiliation will require regulatory approval.
The newly expanded West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) just got the final inspection clearance, and it will open tomorrow morning! That’s the word from Joleen Post at the Y. She and Josh Sutton gave us a sneak peek this afternoon. Above, the new front/entrance, now facing SW Snoqualmie Street. Inside, the new fitness center is, well, the centerpiece:
The fitness center spans 5,700 square feet and is right on the east side of the entrance hall. On the west side, a community gathering room that can hold up to 170 people (and has a kitchen):
When we stopped in, final setup was still under way – the huge reception area will have furniture in place before you see it tomorrow:
A few expansion features have a little more work to be done, such as the family changing rooms, but they’ll be ready soon. Outside the building, by the way, the parking lots WILL be open when the doors open at 5:30 tomorrow morning. And of course, some expansion features are already in use, like the ones we spotlighted back in November.
Tomorrow, one way to get your first look at the expansion is during Family Night. Or, one of the three Try It Tuesdays starting next week. Lots of special events are scheduled – see the full list here. If you’re not a member yet, you’re welcome at the special events too – and if you are considering joining, note that there are no joining fees if you sign up this month.
BACKSTORY: The groundbreaking celebration for the expansion work was just seven months ago. At that time, the Y also celebrated the designation of the block of SW Snoqualmie in front of its new entrance as a “festival street”; the first event was the last screening of last summer’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies series, and Sutton says the Y will soon put together a committee to come up with a list of events for this summer – not just the movies, but more. If you’re interested, contact him at jsutton@seattleymca.org.
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor – FitBody Solutions, two well-experienced Personal Trainers from the West Seattle area, Dave Williams and Rick Cavender. Here’s what they’d like you to know about their business:
(WSB photo: Rick Cavender & Dave Williams)
You might remember these guys from a corporate gym in the area; Dave and Rick decided that it was time for change. The biggest reason was they left was to provide a better personal-training experience for their clients and the people of the West Seattle area.
The two of them combined have more than 15 years of experience, 25,000+ session hours, a 4-year degree in exercise science from WWU, and 10 certifications from different fitness organizations including NASM, NSCA, and NPTI.
At FitBody Solutions, their passion is to help change lives through fitness, by encouraging, motivating, and inspiring people to reach their fitness goals. With their guidance, they will hold you accountable and work with you, no matter what age or fitness level. From couch potato to 5k to ironman, they will get you where you want to be.
Here are things people are saying about FitBody Solutions:
“Incredibly knowledgeable, fun, caring”
“Will cure whatever ails you and help you achieve more than you think you can do”
“Best Trainers Ever, such great guys, they know their stuff”
“The best new personal training studio in West Seattle with awesome owners/trainers”
“Great workouts and great trainers, worth getting out of bed for”
Spend your mornings with Dave and Rick. Start the New Year off right at FitBody Solutions, offering 5 am, 6 am, or 7 am results-driven bootcamps on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Also at 9 am Saturday mornings. They offer a Senior Fitcamp at 10 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help older adults gain strength, balance, flexibility, and pain-free movement. There is something for everyone, so check them out at 1521 SW 98th.
We thank FitBody Solutions 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 got word of this free seminar next Sunday at Elite Brazilian Jiu-jitsu of Seattle (WSB sponsor):
Join us for a free seminar introducing you to the fundamentals of Muay Thai, a martial art developed hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. It’s also known as the deadly art of 8 limbs (hands, elbows, knees, and feet).
This seminar is free to the public. Come get a great workout, and learn some basic techniques, while having fun.
Ages 10+ (under 18 must be accompanied by parent/guardian)
Space is limited so go here to register ASAP!
Although the seminar is free, we do suggest a donation to the following crowdfunding campaign: crowdrise.com/michelles-battle-with-lung-cancer
Elite BJJ is at 5050 Delridge Way SW.
If and when you have a few minutes for a survey:
The Southwest Seattle Prevention Coalition is a committed group of volunteers from the local community working with the County to provide funding towards youth substance abuse treatment and prevention in the community. We look to promote health and well-being, foster a sense of love and belonging, and prevent and reduce youth substance abuse through compassionate and culturally appropriate collaboration, which is a fancy way of saying we care about our kids!
Part of our work is understanding the diverse needs of our community, and there’s no better way to do that than by asking. The survey below shouldn’t take more than ten minutes to fill out, but every one that we receive gives us a better picture of what we need to improve on. It relates to concerns about the substance abuse of youth in our community and what should be done to address it, and is available online in both English and Spanish (links below), with translations in 18 other languages available in hard copy that we would be happy to get to you! Please let us know if you have questions or comments, and thank you for your contribution!
English: surveymonkey.com/r/KICHON2016
Spanish: es.surveymonkey.com/r/KICHSP2016
If you’re a runner in West Seattle, you probably know Lori McConnell, co-proprietor of West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and certified running coach. You might not know that she’s also a licensed mental-health counselor. and that’s led her to launch this new program:
RAAD: Run Along Anxiety & Depression – A Running Group
This is a 6-week program designed to help adults dealing with anxiety and depression develop a regular running routine to help with symptom management.
Mondays, November 14th-December 19th, 2016 – 12:30 pm
For the first session, we will meet at Hiawatha Track and Playfield, but we will rotate locations in West Seattle. Participants can expect:
1) Learn how to build a regular running routine
2) One coached session each Monday where you will learn running techniques. Additionally, you will practice skills that are helpful for managing the symptoms of anxiety and depression that are barriers to exercise routines (such as finding motivation, mindfulness strategies, distraction techniques, and overcoming the inner critic)
3) A weekly running schedule to build the new habit
4) Coach Lori is willing to collaborate with your therapist if there is a signed consent form
5) Connection with others
Cost: $120 – register here – e-mail questions to lori@westseattlerunner.com
The first location, Hiawatha, is at 2700 California SW.
(WSB photos/video)
After riding 3,200 miles in seven weeks, from Boston to Seattle, Stephanie McGinnis and Merrick McGinnis got a big welcome at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza this morning. Not just family and friends, but also firefighters, because Stephanie is a captain with the Port of Seattle FD and Merrick is a firefighter with South King Fire & Rescue, so there was quite a crowd to cheer as they rode up:
Just bicycled in from Boston: @PortofSeattle FD Captain Stephanie McGinnis, SKCFD firefighter Merrick McGinnis pic.twitter.com/Q1HOYHttS1
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) October 22, 2016
As briefly seen in our clip, two fireboats were just offshore to enhance the celebration, from the Seattle Fire Department and South King County:
(SFD’s Engine 29 crew was there too.) Stephanie and Merrick planned the journey for 10 years and chronicled it online, from their early September departure in Boston to their arrival yesterday at their Renton home – with the last ceremonial leg taking them to the shore of Puget Sound this morning:
The most important thing you’ll see while reading about their journey – it was more than a ride. It was a fundraiser for five health-related organizations:
We are so fortunate to be able-bodied to make this trip possible. Many of our loved ones aren’t as fortunate, though. This coast-to-coast trip has become a way for us to raise funds for incredible causes near and dear to our heart. We know many individuals who suffer from debilitating diseases, but some of these conditions have impacted the lives of our loved ones more severely than others.
There are five foundations we have chosen to raise money for: the Washington State Association of Firefighters (WSCFF) Burn Foundation, the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Evergreen chapter of the ALS Association.
Their website includes donation links for all five organizations – find them here.
So what’s next for the pedaling pair of firefighters? They’re excited to meet their 3-week-old grandson!
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