West Seattle, Washington
28 Thursday
Leading into the peak of holiday-party season – tonight’s West Seattle Chamber of Commerce celebration at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction. Above, chamber board chair Dave Montoure with Lisa from Washington Federal – and next, a politician sighting (not unusual at Chamber events):
That’s City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Tim Burgess. He also visited the peninsula a week and a half ago to help out at the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle pancake breakfast. No flapjacks in sight this time – just rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.
Continuing the annual WSB Christmas-lights spotlights – we photographed two of note along 36th SW south of the Admiral area last night. The house above is on the east side of 36th just north of Hinds (map); next, barely a block away, a unique “tree” outside a house that gets its annual dose of fame during an earlier holiday:
Our photo does not do justice to the tree of lights and plastic illuminated Christmas characters that rises outside the house on the southwest corner of 36th and Hanford (map), known for “Skeleton Theatre” every Halloween. This too is a must-see – we’ve never seen anything quite like it.
From a little ways directly west of there, Valerie shares this photo of the shining McKean House at 3431 48th Ave SW (map):
Working right now on a map in time for weekend Christmas-lights driving/riding/walking – stand by! And whether you have a photo or just an address to share – please let us know about your display, your neighbors’ display, something you drove by … editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks! (Meantime, our archived Christmas-lights spotlights, including past years, can be seen here, newest to oldest.)
You’ve bought the gifts – or, you’re about to (tonight at Shop Late Thursday or West Seattle Art Walk, perhaps?) – and now you need them wrapped. Here are two sets of opportunities over the final nine days before Christmas:
IF THEY’RE JUNCTION-BOUGHT GIFTS… free wrapping is offered the next two Saturdays (December 15 and 22), 11:30 am-3:30 pm, as part of West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB):
Let us wrap your Junction gifts! The West Seattle High School Music Program parents will staff our gift wrap station at Windermere (4526 California SW) while the students perform in The Junction. Please bring Junction retailer receipt. FREE wrap and ribbon, no boxes provided.
‘WRAP IT UP’ WITH FURRY FACES FOUNDATION AND AARF: These two animal-advocacy groups are wrapping gifts by donation (you decide how much), with 100 percent of the donations going to help animals. Here are the five sessions ahead:
1) Dec 16th, 2-7 pm, at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW. (During the Specialty Bottle Sale and for a couple hours after).
2) Dec 20th, 6–9 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 Calif. Ave SW, (During their weekly Beer Tasting)
3) Dec 22rd, 3-7pm, at Elliott Bay Brewhouse & Pub; 255 SW 152nd St., Burien
4) Dec 23rd, 1–6 pm, Beer Junction, 4511 Calif. Ave SW
5) Dec 24th, 2 – 7 pm at the Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW
Thanks to Don Brubeck for capturing the sun’s cameo appearance early today. Busy day/night ahead! Highlights:
THREE LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Two for preschoolers this morning – Southwest Branch (35th/Henderson) at 11 am, Delridge Branch (Brandon/Delridge) at 11:15 am – then there’s one for toddlers at the High Point Branch (35th/Raymond) at 11:30 am.
FINAL DAY TO DONATE A TOY TO HOLIDAYS 4 HOPE! We’ve been updating you on the local students collecting toys to take to this Saturday’s South Park WinterFest holiday party. Today’s the last day you can drop off a donation – locations include Zippy’s Giant Burgers, JC’s Deli, The Original Bakery. Check out the Holidays 4 Hope Facebook page here.
HANUKKAH CONTINUES: Sixth night. And here’s a virtual menorah you can light; thanks to Eric from the Kol HaNeshamah congregation for the link (P.S. – KHN has a Hanukkah party on Saturday, listed in the WSB Holiday Guide).
CHAMBER PARTY: Tonight’s the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce “Mix, Mingle, Jingle” party, 5-7 pm at Feedback Lounge (6451 California SW; WSB sponsor), register online ASAP if you haven’t already!
WINE-TASTING EVENTS: Three tonight – at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 5:30-9 pm, it’s the annual port tasting; at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), it’s Wine Club night, 6-8 pm (explained here); and at Bin 41 in The Junction, winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla from Forgeron Cellars is on hand for Art Walk night, 6-8:30 pm.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of places to get your art on tonight – meet the artists, buy their work as unique local holiday gifts – 6 to 9 pm, walking map/venue list here, previews on the official Art Walk website.
CHRISTOPHER BOFFOLI @ ARTSWEST: The “Food as Art” three-artist show featuring some of the internationally renowned photos by longtime WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli runs just a few more days at ArtsWest – where you can attend a talk with Christopher and the show’s other two artists TONIGHT, 6 pm.
SHOP LATE THURSDAY IN THE JUNCTION: While you’re out – check out the participating stores – also open till 9 (or so).
AND WHILE YOU’RE OUT – DONATE! Twilight Artist Collective, for example, has a bin for Treehouse – details in the “Giving Opportunities” section of the WSB Holiday Guide. Lots of other businesses, too.
‘SANTA AL’ ROAMING: Taking a break from his North Pole work, “Santa Al” (who shared the photo above) reports he’ll be “making random drop-bys tonight during the Art Walk and (Shop Late Thursday) at the Junction.”
ASK THE EXPERT: Second Thursday also means this monthly event at the legendary West Seattle Tool Library (northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW) – 6 to 8 pm, with experts on hand to talk with you about a variety of potential projects (among those you’ll find, WSB sponsor LD Arch Design) – full list on the Facebook event page.
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY BOOKFAIR BEGINS: 7 pm tonight, come to Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village to hear special guest readers from Arbor Heights Elementary, which is B&N’s Bookfair beneficiary – special code for purchases over the next week is part of the info you’ll find in our calendar listing.
MADISON CONCERT: Madison Middle School Music Department winter concert happens tonight in the Madison gym (45th/Spokane), 7 pm.
KING TIDES CONTINUE: We went out for a low-tide walk late last night, and we weren’t alone; others were out with flashlights, peeking at what was revealed on the beach. Per the chart, tonight’s the lowest low tide, -3.6 at 10:41 pm. The afternoon high tides are on the wane but tomorrow at 6:06 am, you’ll find a 12.8-foot high tide, almost as high as it’s going to get this time around.
More on the calendar – and ongoing seasonal events in the WSB Holiday Guide.
Thanks to Nicole for sharing the photo of bright Christmas lights at 1315 SW Trenton (map) in Highland Park. We’re working tonight to build our traditional annual map of West Seattle’s dazzling decorations, as the peak time for light-viewing approaches. Also in the spotlight: A great collection of photos by High Point resident Wendy Hughes-Jelen, who is again photographing the light-decked porches in HP – you can see more than 50 photos in her album on Facebook; find it here.
If you have a Christmas-lights photo to share – here are all the ways to get it to us. Or, if you’ve seen or heard of cool lights in West Seattle, White Center or South Park, but don’t have a photo, please e-mail us the address (or even add it here as a comment) – editor@westseattleblog.com!
We’re continuing to add holiday-season giving opportunities to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – including these two just in today. First, from Audrey at White Center Food Bank (whose jurisdiction includes West Seattle from Myrtle southward):
Do you have time next week to pass out food to clients at the White Center Food Bank at 10829 8th Ave SW? We need volunteers on the following shifts to help pass out holiday food:
Wednesday, December 19 (9:00 – 12:30 & 12:30 – 3:30)
Thursday, November 20 (9:30-12:30 &, 12:30-3:30)We also need people who are able to lift 35 pounds to help with inventory Monday, Dec. 31 from 9:00 am until done. We’ll be weighing everything in the warehouse.
If you can help, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 762-2848. Families and kids welcome.
Second, a clothing drive that’s under way till a January 3rd distribution. From Clarke at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center:
The YELS program (Youth Empowered with Leadership Strengths), in conjunction with Neighborhood House, is sponsoring a winter clothing drive.
YELS is a youth leadership program for at-risk middle school and high school students living in low-income housing in High Point. Our program fosters leadership skills through environmental activism, community organizing and mentorship.
Between now and Jan. 3rd, we are collecting new or gently used winter clothing (i.e. hats, scarves, gloves, coats, socks, sweaters etc.) for the residents of High Point low-income housing. Clothes can be dropped off at our location (6400 Sylvan Way) or at Kol HaNeshamah/Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds/blockquote>
The Holiday Guide’s “Giving Opportunities” section also includes giving trees, toy drives, and more – most of which end some days before Christmas since time needs to be allowed for processing and distribution – please let us know if there are others to add!
(Photo by “old desolate” via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and ongoing West Seattle Holiday Guide:
‘EARLY DAYS’ SUPPORT GROUP: Noon-2 pm, drop-in support group for new moms at Nurturing Expressions (WSB sponsor), 4746 44th SW.
‘KING TIDES’ WEEK: The tidal extremes continue – today, it’s 12.2 feet at 2:42 pm, and -3.4 feet tonight at 9:54 pm. (Here’s the chart.) And remember that the state is interested in your photos from the high tides – add them to this Flickr group (and if they’re from West Seattle, we’d love to see them in the WSB Flickr group, too!).
TUNNEL TOLLING COMMITTEE: The advisory committee talking about tolling for the Highway 99 tunnel, and related traffic-management matters, meets at 3 pm today, Puget Sound Regional Council HQ, 1011 Western in Pioneer Square.
HANUKKAH: Tonight is the fifth of eight nights.
FINAL DAY FOR PIZZERIA 22 COAT DRIVE: The annual Pizza for Parkas coat drive with the Atlantic Street Center. Donate a children’s jacket, ages infant to adult, and Pizzeria 22 (in The Admiral District) will give away a coupon for a free Margherita pizza.
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY/TOY DRIVE: 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, no business meeting – holiday potluck and toy drive – details here.
HOPE LUTHERAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 7 pm at Hope Lutheran School (42nd/Oregon), with the Bell Choir, Chapel Band, Glee Club, Vocal Choir and Seattle Lutheran High School Band.
‘WINTER WONDERETTES’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest – this year’s holiday musical!
More for today/tonight on our regular (non-holiday) calendar! And ongoing holiday activities (such as Christmas tree lots) are in the Holiday Guide.
(Photo by Nick Adams for WSB, from 12/1/2012 West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting)
Just a quick reminder – 6-9 pm Thursday night is the nexus of West Seattle holiday shopping: Shop Late Thursday and West Seattle Art Walk, same night, many of the same places – plus Art Walk participants in The Admiral District, Alki, Morgan Junction, and other parts of the peninsula. You can preview many of the Art Walk’s featured artists right now by going to the official website – wsartwalk.com – and to see the list of who’s participating in Shop Late Thursday all season long, go to this page on The Junction’s website.
(Photo courtesy Trileigh Tucker)
“Dancin’, Drummin’, Singin’!” is the title of tonight’s holiday concert by the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Debut and Intermediate Orchestras, with the latter courtesy of the Endolyne Children’s Choir and director Amy Stagno Bokanev (above). The concert is tonight’s musical highlight from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and it starts at 6:30 pm at the Chief Sealth International High School Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle). The program includes Christmas classics such as “Little Drummer Boy,” “White Christmas,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (Added – Trileigh’s video of “Little Drummer Boy” being rehearsed):
More program details are on the official poster (see it here as a PDF).
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Not all the holiday house-decorating has to happen out in the mist on a ladder … last night at West Seattle Christian Church‘s Activity Center in The Junction, it was a gingerbread-house-decorating (and building) frenzy (above, Shauna Jacobs and daughter Lillian; below, the overview):
30 teams built and decorated houses, all for a good cause – raising $1,200 for a new well to bring clean water to people in Guatemala. See how it unfolded, and find out about the winners, ahead:
Even before Donna Ryan (above) opened the doors of her City Mouse Studio for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Santa photos this morning, some excited families were waiting, we’re told. The line wasn’t too long when we went by before noon – some very patient little ones peeked through the festively decorated window:
Today is the first of two Sundays that Donna’s taking Santa photos – with proceeds benefiting WestSide Baby, continuing till 3 pm. You can also stop by the Hometown Holidays Headquarters kitty-corner from there, at California/Alaska by KeyBank.
About a mile south on California, the “Gifted” bazaar has begun at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):
You might not need a fan now – but look ahead to summer, and Lisa Jones‘ playing-card fans might come in handy. Her business card says she’s “putting the FUN into FUNction.” Among the other art/craft creators there, microphotographer extraordinaire Machel Spence, RobRoy Chalmers, and Christin Schaefer with photos including the one that reminds us of the “grumpy cat” meme:
“Gifted” at Feedback (6451 California SW) continues till 5 pm.
The Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) has decked Walking On Logs at the end of the bridge, and has an invitation for you this morning – combine tree shopping with a Santa photo:
Santa will visit Holy Rosary’s “Coffee & Donuts” in the school hall this morning from 9:30 am until 12:00 noon. Children of all ages are welcome to come take a picture with Santa inside the school hall. Please bring your own camera and your Christmas wishes! Then, step outside to carefully choose your Christmas tree or lovely wreath to take home & decorate, completing the jolly outing!
The school is on 42nd SW, just north of Genesee; the tree lot is on its north side, at 41st and Dakota, and donates 15 percent of its proceeds to local nonprofits – the West Seattle Helpline, West Seattle Food Bank, and the Salvation Army’s Hickman House transitional shelter for domestic-violence survivors and their children.
(1st four photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
Two stops for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (above right, with the Royal Argosy at left; WSB sponsor) tonight in West Seattle, at Lowman Beach at dusk, then at Alki Beach.
Beachfront crowds and Christmas music from The Dickens Carolers at both – and bright lights from the accompanying fleet (which varies, night by night):
This was the first time in as far back as we can remember that the Lowman stop was early in the evening:
ADDED: Video from the second stop of the night, at Alki – you can’t see the chorus, but you can certainly hear them!
On shore, as part of a celebration organized by the Alki Advisory Council, musical groups performed starting at 4 pm – from Hope Lutheran and Seattle Lutheran as well as elsewhere in the community. We caught an ensemble from the Seattle Women’s Chorus:
Hope Lutheran’s live Nativity Scene wandered the beach with banners:
A toasty bonfire crackled nearby:
Santa showed up – on two wheels:
And helpers inside the Bathhouse included teens from the Hiawatha Community Center program – tending to the treats:
While that’s it for West Seattle Christmas Ship stops this season, you can see it elsewhere – or even ride on board – see the official website for details.
It’s a Very Hairy Christmas with your own Cousin Itt Christmas tree. You can find it – er, Itt – at the Highland Park Improvement Club holiday bazaar till 3 pm (12th and Kenyon) – along with other handcrafted creations such as Andy and Keandre‘s work:
We’ve also been to the Schmitz Park Elementary arts/crafts sale – also till 3 pm (5000 SW Spokane) – where a bake sale is raising money for WestSide Baby:
Bonnie‘s offering popsicle-stick puppets:
Julian and Reed are raising money for West Seattle High School Global Visionaries travel:
And at Diva Espresso (4480 Fauntleroy Way SW) – here’s a gift idea:
The Mason-jar drinking “glasses” are on sale during the Diva “Art Pageant,” which like the aforementioned events, runs till 3 pm. Also under way right now – a sale till 7 pm at the Log House Museum on Alki, which will host the Christmas Ship‘s final West Seattle stop of the season at 5:25 pm, with a shoreside music extravaganza starting at 4.
(Endolyne Choir at Junction Tree Lighting 12/1 – photo by Nick Adams for WSB. Their holiday concert is today!)
Another holiday-season Saturday with lots of chances to celebrate – including shopping local at your local stores and local arts/crafts bazaars – plus music and more, including the start of Hanukkah:
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ADOPT-A-STREET: If you see this before 11 am, go help! ANA’s quarterly street cleanup is headquartered at Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) – check in and take off. Tools supplied.
DIVA ‘ART PAGEANT’: It’s the annual “Art Pageant,” 9 am-4 pm, at Diva Espresso in The Triangle.
STORY TIME AT KOL HANESHAMAH: 9:45 am, focusing on holidays and Shabbat, geared for 2-5-year-olds – details here.
SCHMITZ PARK ELEMENTARY HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Schmitz Park Elementary welcomes you, 10 am-3 pm, 5000 SW Spokane: Crafts from a variety of vendors; raffle; and more! All proceeds go to the Schmitz Park PTA General Fund. And a special addition: “The second graders at Schmitz Park (Ms. Bailey’s, Mr. McMillan’s, Ms. Aylesworth’s and Ms. Noreng’s classes) are putting on a bake sale at the fair and donating proceeds to WestSide Baby! Many traditional cookies and bars, along with (rumor has it!) some gluten-free and vegan options as well. Please come down and support Schmitz Park kids and WestSide Baby!”
HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) is also having a holiday bazaar, 10 am-3 pm: Shopping, eating, raffle-ticket-buying, and pictures with Santa.
ART SALE AT GINOMAI: The 5th Annual Holigaze Holiday Sale at Ginomai Studios (4401 42nd SW), hosted by artisans Kelly Rae Cunningham & Shelli Markee, 10 am-3 pm
VILLAGE GREEN PERENNIAL NURSERY HOLIDAY SALE: 10-3:30 (tomorrow too) at Village Green Perennial Nursery (WSB sponsor) (10223 26th SW): Find gifts for gardeners in your life… Gift certificates to stuff the stockings. Studio seconds…pottery, hammered garden items for you to finish and add to your own project. Glass garden spires created by Sean Welch from Avalon glass. Lollipops by Bedrock glass. Salves to soothe the gardeners’ dry hands and Healthy Chocolate! Also, of course, perennials, trees, shrubs, pottery and living holiday trees to plant out after the season…save a tree.
WSHS CHEERLEADERS BENEFIT: The West Seattle High School cheer squad is selling hot cocoa 10 am-8 pm at Son In Law Tree Farm (Charlestown/California), and part of the weekend’s tree-sales proceeds will benefit them too. More details here.
SANTA PAWS AT WINDERMERE: 10 am-2 pm, bring your furry friends to Windermere West Seattle in The Junction for a “Santa Paws” photo! Details here.
SANTA AL AT JF HENRY: This just in from “Santa Al“: After spending last night on the Argosy Christmas ship that was part of last night’s celebration, Santa Al returns to land at JF Henry (WSB sponsor) for free photos. Come with your own camera or have Santa’s elf helper take one for $5. From 11 AM to 2 PM today.
MORE SANTA APPEARANCES TODAY, AND WHERE TO BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE: See the WSB Holiday Guide!
ENDOLYNE CHOIR CONCERT: The Endolyne Children’s Choir present their Winter Fantasy Concert, 11 am, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (California/Hanford).
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD HOLIDAY BAZAAR White Center Library Guild Holiday Bazaar. 11 am-3 pm: Shop for special holiday gifts and goodies including cookies, breads and gently used items. This year for the first time there will be items from the Burien Knitters group. Entertainment by Magician Jeff Evans at 2 pm. All proceeds benefit the White Center Library. White Center Library Meeting Room, 11220 16th SW.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CIDER, COOKIES, SALE! The Southwest Seattle Historical Society invites you to join us at the Log House Museum today from noon—7:30 pm for hot cider and cookies and live holiday music by local entertainers. 10% off on all gift-shop items during this event only. (Walk a block inland while you’re visiting for the Christmas Ship!) 3003 61st Ave SW
‘FLAVOR THE SEASON’ TASTING EVENT: At Metropolitan Market, noon-3 pm.
‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: Second and third shows today for this brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 2 pm matinee and evening performance at 7 pm; tickets available online.
HOLLYDAY DECORATIONS: Check with Camp Long to see if there’s still room in this class, 2 pm, details here.
CHRISTMAS SHIP AT LOWMAN, ALKI: Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor) back in West Seattle! 4:35-4:55 at Lowman Beach, 5:25-5:45 pm at Alki – and a BIG party at the Bathhouse before and after the Alki stop, with music onshore too (see details here).
FIRST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH: The eight-day Festival of Lights begins at sundown tonight.
ART AND MUSIC ON ALKI: After the Christmas Ship visits Alki, pop across the street to Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), for art and music, 6-9 pm: “Join us for a glass of wine, some live music in the background, and a ‘meet & greet’ print signing with artist Nationally-acclaimed artist Michael Birawer. Birawer has brought a new look to the face of urban neighborhoods through his unique style of painting. A combination of graffiti, cartoon, illustration and heavy textures, his paintings have received praise from both art critics and patrons, who describe his work as “one of the best examples of the contemporary revival of urban art. There will be new work and gift items for attendees that Michael will be bringing with him.”
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show continues tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. A Children’s Hospital toy drive is being held during the show’s run:
Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.
MORE HOLIDAY GIVING … scroll through the WSB Holiday Guide to the “Giving Opportunities” section for giving trees, gift drives, and other ways to make this a happy holiday for those in need.
…AND LOTS OF LIVE MUSIC! Along with the holiday concerts (etc.) above, our regular WSB West Seattle Events Calendar also includes listings for music at various local venues tonight – check it out!
That sleigh and its contents represented the true light of last night’s 8th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School – the spirit of giving, in this case food donations for those in need. (Heidi Ehrenberg designed the sleigh.) Oh, of course there’s a tree too:
OLG is graced with the highest-elevation tree in the city, right across the street from Seattle’s highest point, at Myrtle Reservoir, 512 feet above sea level. Its lighting was celebrated as always with what might be West Seattle’s most festive outdoor public caroling session – highlighted as usual by “Jingle Bells” featuring hundreds of jingling sets of car keys:
Another tradition – local broadcaster/journalist Brian Callanan emceed, festively as ever, from beneath the tree, along with OLG’s pastor, Father Jack Walmesley:
While some in the crowd were decked in antlers or Santa hats (including Santa himself – clip in the works), OLG School’s principal Kristin Dixon chose the angelic look:
After the caroling, it was time to stream inside the OLG Parish Life Center for cookies and cocoa:
The center was dedicated last May. Chair of last night’s event was Tovee Delaliana, as noted on the program, which also listed the OLG Christmas Eve/Day Mass times – we’ll be adding those to the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, and invite all local faith communities with celebrations this season to send word of the dates and times too! (editor@westseattleblog.com)
No rain, no snow – just lights, music, a bonfire, and an audience as the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor) made its first of three 2012 West Seattle stops tonight at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. The other two are tomorrow – 4:35 pm at Lowman Beach and 5:25 pm at Alki (with a music-fest on shore, as noted here earlier this week). More from tonight’s stop, coming up.
(WSB photo from last Sunday)
The volunteer crew from Pathfinder K-8 will be back in The Junction during Hometown Holidays Sunday this weekend, 9:30 am-2 pm by the Farmers’ Market – but they need help right now so they can make more fundraising wreaths! From Lashanna:
West Seattle – Do you have beautiful ornamental greens and flowers? Does your holly need a trim?
You see us each weekend in the Junction selling our homemade wreaths; well, we have crafted ourselves out of materials. Pathfinder K-8 is in need of all kinds of ornamentals; yellowish colors, bluish, variegated, anything with pines, or acorns or nuts; seed-heads, rose hips. Basically anything in your garden or neighborhood that still looks good, even statice from your last bouquet of fresh flowers! The clippings need to be at least 5″ long in order to be usable – so 5″ to 12″ long or bring in an entire branch!
If you have some beautiful trimmings, please call or e-mail Lashanna 206-715-5265 or lashannaw@gmail.com with
–the name of what you have to donate
–location
–good time to pick up or we can arrange a drop-off.
(Photo courtesy Seattle Lutheran High School)
Congratulations to Seattle Lutheran High School cheerleaders Angel Cucio (Class of 2015) and Kayla Searle and Tiffany Tran (both Class of 2014), who have been chosen to be part of the New Year’s Day Parade in London, as part of the United Cheerleaders Association contingent of about 300 from around the U.S. According to SLHS’s announcement, “They have been practicing the cheer routine for several weeks and will practice with the entire group once they are all assembled in London. The students were selected for this opportunity while at a UCA Cheerleader cheer camp this past summer.” The parade starts at 11:45 am London time (that’s 3:45 am Seattle time) on New Year’s Day, with more than 10,000 participants traveling along a 2-mile route, according to the official website.
(2011 WSB photo of sustainably LED-lit OLG tree)
Huge holiday weekend begins – on land and by sea. The highest-elevation tree, the brightest boat, opening night for two more holiday productions, music, open houses, much more … here’s the highlight list for today/tonight:
SANTA! “Ex-Westwood Santa” is back at CAPERS in The Junction today/tonight, 3-7 pm. Benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – bring canned food and/or cash to help. For other Santa appearances this season, check the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.
HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR AT JAN’S: Jan’s Beauty Supply in The Junction is having Holiday Happy Hours Fridays during the holiday season, 3-5:30 pm, offering snacks/beverages and weekly specials.
MINI-BAZAAR: At Nepenthe Massage (6016-A California SW) 3-6 pm today (and continuing this weekend, 10-3 both days): Hot beverages, art, handmade jewelry, photography, holiday cards and items, chair massage, upcycled clothing, organic teas, lotions and soaps, baked goods, gift certificates.
‘FIRST FRIDAY’ TO HELP TRANSITIONAL RESOURCES: First giving opportunity of the night – join the Rotary Club of West Seattle at its “First Friday” gathering at The Cask in The Admiral District, 5 pm; they’re collecting first-aid kits, flashlights, and batteries to help support preparedness for the residents and clients of Transitional Resources.
DOUBLE OPEN HOUSE: Twala Intimates and Heidi Fish Swimwear in The Junction, 5-8 pm – details here.
CORNER BAR, HOLIDAY EDITION: Jingle and mingle with your Highland Park neighbors during the monthly Corner Bar at Highland Park Improvement Club (12th and Holden) – all ages! Starts at 6 pm (see the HPIC tree, which we visited in progress earlier this week).
PAJAMA DRIVE AT WEST SEATTLE Y: From the YMCA (WSB sponsor) – thanks to Joleen for the tip:
This Friday night at Family Night, Our Adventure Guides will be collecting new and used Children’s Pajamas for WestSide Baby. Bring your family down to play on the obstacle course and wear your pajamas too!! Please spread the word – we would love to collect a hundred pajamas! Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm, West Seattle YMCA.
PORT FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Bin 41 in The Junction is hosting its annual port tasting from 6-7:30 pm: “We’ll have an array open to try including a white port, ruby and a mix of delicious tawnies. Swing on in to warm your belly and sample some delicious ports!”
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE TREE LIGHTING: Carols, cocoa, cookies, and the highest-elevation tree (500+ feet above sea level) in Seattle – its lights go on tonight at 7 pm, right outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 35th and Myrtle. The street’s closed, the merriment reigns, and the new Parish Life Center across the street will feature activities too. Bring canned-food donations to fill the sleigh!
‘SANTA’S FIRST MAGICAL RIDE: THE MUSICAL’: It’s premiere night for this brand-new locally written/produced Christmas musical (which is sponsoring WSB to help get the word out), Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm; tickets available online.
HOLIDAY STORY TIME: 7 pm at Barnes and Noble in Westwood Village, the annual “Polar Express” story time. B&N says, “Pajamas and jingle bells are welcome for this evening event. There will be treats and hot chocolate to go with this fun holiday story!”
WHOVILLE TOY ROUNDUP: 7-10 pm at OutWest Bar, 5401 California SW – It’s back again this year, and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan, are bringing the toy drive to OutWest for the Whoville Toy Roundup, collecting new unwrapped children’s toys and clothing items for Rise n’ Shine. Bring in a gift and have a chance to win some prizes and enjoy some holiday drink specials! We will also be accepting cash donations as well, going directly to Rise n’ Shine! Join us at OutWest and don’t let the Grinch spoil anyone’s holidays! For more information on Rise n’ Shine: risenshine.org
For more information on the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan: www.theabbey.org.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: THE RADIO PLAY’: Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show begins its run tonight at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; tickets available online. Also: A Children’s Hospital toy drive will be held during the show’s run:
Please consider bringing a new unwrapped toy or gift card for these families. The following items are in greatest need: Crayola® crayons; Play Doh; fuzzy coloring posters; small Lego sets; Brio trains; nail polish; coloring books; arts and crafts kits; playing cards; tactile toys for all ages; rattles; links; Disney/Pixar DVDs; PG-13 DVDs; gift cards; videos, books, and music.
MUSICA SACRA CHAMBER CHORALE: Performing the concert “Candlelight Christmas,” 7:30 pm, Holy Rosary Church (42nd/Genesee), more info here
CHRISTMAS SHIP’S FIRST WEST SEATTLE STOP OF 2012: Cap the evening with a visit to Don Armeni Boat Ramp (map) for the Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship (WSB sponsor)’s 9:15 pm stop.
Believe it or not, there’s even more … check our regular event calendar and the Holiday Guide!
‘Tis the season for sampling – and for everybody still planning holiday gatherings, West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) welcomes you to a holiday-appetizer tasting happening right now, till 7 pm. (For more holiday events, including tastings – see our Holiday Guide.)
It might be West Seattle’s smallest community tree, and it won’t have a gala lighting ceremony, but it will be the center of community festivities these next few weeks in Highland Park. Tonight, HP Improvement Club volunteers trimmed the tree at HPIC’s historic headquarters (12th/Holden). Events ahead include the monthly Corner Bar – all ages! – this Friday night and the Highland Park Holiday Bazaar on Saturday – details on both events are here, and you can look them up on the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide page, too.
Two nights till West Seattle’s next tree lighting, and the highest-elevation Christmas tree in the city (about 500′ above sea level) is being readied for the big moment. Passing 35th and Myrtle, we spotted the lights going up on the big tree outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School, and pulled over to get a quick pic. Everyone’s invited to the 7 pm festivities this Friday night (December 7th), with caroling outside, then more holiday fun inside. Bring canned food for the food drive! (And check out lots more holiday-giving opportunities, and celebrations, and more, on the frequently updated WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide.)
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