West Seattle, Washington
25 Thursday
They’re not just making a list and checking it twice …they’re putting the final touches on the premiere of a brand-new Christmas musical that’s having its debut run here in West Seattle. We dropped by the other day as “Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” (WSB sponsor) continued rehearsing.
As explained by its creators, “Santa’s First Magical Ride” gets to the roots of the Christmas story, with original folk, bluegrass, and Celtic music and dance numbers – “a fresh new Christmas musical that tells the story of where Santa came from as a young child and how he was raised by the North Pole Elves. Important questions like ‘How DO the reindeer fly?’ (and much more), are finally answered.”
It’s based on the book “Santa’s First Magical Ride“ published last year by Paul S. Carr III, who co-wrote the musical with Ricky Gene Powell; they’re both professional singers/musicians, and Powell’s background includes playwriting and directing. Libby Carr is the executive producer. (The Carrs are former West Seattleites now living in Burien, and you might recall them from extensive volunteer involvement in area projects.)
The 12-show run at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) starts Friday night (December 7th) at 7 pm. For each of the next three Friday-Saturday-Sundays (December 7-8-9, 14-15-16, and 21-22-23), “Santa’s First Magical Ride” will be performed at 7 pm Friday, 2 and 7 pm Saturday, 2 pm Sunday.
A bonus – kids in attendance get to visit afterward with Santa Claus, and parents can take a photo!
(Two of the show’s stars – young Maia Vazquez, and Santa Claus!) Another bonus – part of the proceeds benefit WestSide Baby and Ignite, “both of which are local nonprofits concerned about the welfare and education of babies, children and young people,” as the “Santa’s First Magical Ride” team explains.
Tickets are available online right now via Brown Paper Tickets – here’s the direct link – and there’s also a new special: A group-sale discount of 2 free tickets for every 10 purchased (having a party?). The producers add, “We also welcome groups and organizations who want to enjoy this experience together and we will promote their attendance on Brown Paper Tickets. Call Libby Carr (206-938-8721) for more info on how your group can celebrate by attending this event together.” You can hear a sample of the music via this YouTube promo:
Even more details are on the official “Santa’s First Magical Ride” website.
(Christmas Ship setting sail one night in 2009, by Michelle Edwards)
A big highlight of the holiday season is just days away: The Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival (WSB sponsor) drops anchor off West Seattle shores this Friday and (twice) Saturday. Its first stop is 9:15 pm Friday at Don Armeni Boat Ramp; then on Saturday, 4:35 pm at Lowman Beach Park, and 5:25 pm at Alki Beach (Bathhouse vicinity). Every stop is festive, but the Alki visit will include a major celebration onshore, starting more than an hour before the Christmas Ship and its fleet arrive. The Alki Advisory Council, the citywide ARC, and Seattle Parks are sponsoring a 4-6:30 pm celebration with choirs, caroling, hot drinks, and pastries at the Alki Bathhouse. Besides the singers onboard the Christmas Ship itself – scheduled to be the Dickens Carolers for all three West Seattle stops Friday/Saturday – you will also see and hear the Endolyne Children’s Choir (featured in our video coverage of this past Saturday night’s Junction Tree Lighting), the Seattle Lutheran High School Band, the Seattle Women’s Chorus, and the Hope Lutheran Church Band. Everybody welcome!
SIDE NOTE: If you want to see – and/or ride aboard – the Christmas Ship the rest of the season, the schedule has a multitude of options; see it here.
Among the fairly long list of bazaars and arts/crafts sales during the holiday season, the St. Nicholas Faire at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW) tends to stand alone … as an evening event. It’s not just a sale; it’s also a silent auction (with a variety of hand-assembled, uniquely themed gift baskets) …
… also there’s wine, a bake sale, and more. And it’s happening till 7 pm. Fundraiser for West Seattle Food Bank and West Seattle Helpline – FLC’s Pastor Ron Marshall has served on both organization’s boards:
$5 admission with a canned-food donation, $10 without (family admission capped at $15/$25).
Stephanie Jensen (with daughters) and her BinKKs designs are among the array of vendors/creations you’ll find till about 3 pm today at the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) craft fair – if you haven’t been already! Busy when we stopped in. Another family-run table: Machel and India (pictured) Spence:
C & P is at 5612 California SW. To find out about other arts/crafts fairs and bazaars coming up this holiday season – check out our guide to everything holidayish in West Seattle, here.
Thanks to the texter (206-293-6302 around the clock) who sent two early looks at the first West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Sunday, under way now till 3 – above, the first mule-drawn carriage ride (free) from the southwest corner of California/Alaska; next, looking at the northeast corner, a Santa sighting!
Photos at City Mouse (east of Cupcake Royale, in the photo), also till 3 pm – today it’s bring your own camera; next two Sundays will include a professional photographer. And while you’re shopping Junction stores throughout the season, don’t miss your chance to enter the holiday raffle.
(Saturday’s sunrise from Harbor Avenue SW, by Carolyn Newman)
Good morning! Today brings the season’s first West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) Sunday – the day after the gala tree lighting (WSB coverage here, with more photos/video added overnight) – atop the list of highlights for today/tonight, from our West Seattle Holidays Guide and regular West Seattle Event Calendar:
ARTS & CRAFTS @ C & P: C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor)’s annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair is today, 9 am-3 pm, 5612 California SW. More info here. Among the exhibitors: Machel Spence, known best for her nature microphotos – but she also makes and sells shell boxes (see them on her postcard).
ARTS AND CRAFTS @ ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Holiday Arts & Crafts Co-op Sale, 9 am-1 pm, 3050 California SW. Proceeds go to outreach; also bring a food-drive donation if you can. Details in our calendar listing.
SEATTLE SAMPLING TOUR: Visit local artists’ studios 10 am-5 pm – details in the calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm as always, 44th/Alaska in The Junction.
PATHFINDER K-8’S FAMOUS HANDMADE WREATHS: On sale 9:30 am-2 pm today at the Farmers’ Market.
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS SUNDAY IN THE JUNCTION – FEATURING SANTA PHOTOS & CARRIAGE RIDES: 11 am-3 pm, Santa will listen to children’s Christmas requests at City Mouse Studio and Store (4218 SW Alaska) – but today, you’re the photographer, so bring your camera. The Junction Association will donate 100% of your donation to West Seattle charities. Also 11 am-3 pm, mule-drawn carriage rides in The Junction, 11 am-3 pm, free, leaving from the KeyBank corner at California/Alaska, which is where you will find the Hometown Holidays Headquarters with fun for kids, plus information on shopping, the Holiday Raffle, and neighborhood events. The official Hometown Holidays page has more info on all of the above.
STOTTLE WINERY TASTING ROOM OPEN: New WSB sponsor Stottle Winery has a tasting room at 3400 Harbor Avenue SW, open noon-6 pm today.
CHRISTMAS TEA AT LA ROMANZA BISTRO: Special weekend teas during the holiday season at La Romanza (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. Info and reservations, here.
HOLIDAYS AT THE HOSPITAL: Not in West Seattle, but organized by Swedish Medical Center workers including two West Seattleites who asked us to share their invitation with you to come to today’s holiday celebration at the hospital. 1-4 pm, more details here.
2ND ANNUAL WEST SEATTLE DREAM-HOME TOUR: Collection of open houses, 1-4 pm – addresses on this flyer.
HANDS-ON HERBALISM: Seminar at Village Green Perennial Nursery (10223 26th SW) 2-4 pm, details here.
ALL-AGES LIVE-MUSIC MATINEE: Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm, details here.
HANUKKAH CONCERT: 4 pm today, Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Kol HaNeshamah co-sponsor a celebration of the upcoming festival (it starts next Saturday night) starring the Seattle Jewish Chorale. Details in our preview from last night.
ST. NICHOLAS FAIRE: Annual holiday event at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW), 4 pm-7 pm, to raise money for West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank:
We will have appetizers, a bake sale of homemade holiday sweets and treats, a wine toss game where you can win bottles of wine or sparkling cider, wine tasting with Maryhill Winery, where you can purchase bottles of wine for yourself or even holiday gifts, and a silent auction of many types of gift baskets, including Italian, children’s art and activities, games, puzzles, gift certificates to restaurants, baking baskets, etc, etc, etc!
Admission $5/person with canned food item or $15 per family with food donation for each member; if no food donation, $10 person/$25 family.
ONGOING TREE SALES, GIVING OPPORTUNITIES, AND MORE … in the Holiday Guide!
The first of the 8 nights of Hanukkah is next Saturday – but the first of several public Hanukkah events in West Seattle is a lot sooner … hours away. At 4 pm Sunday (December 2nd), the Seattle Jewish Chorale will be at the 7141 California SW home of the Westside Unitarian Universalists (co-sponsoring along with Kol HaNeshamah) with “an interactive, family-friendly concert featuring both familiar and unusual holiday songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, and Ladino, with styles ranging from folk to jazz to ‘Jewish gospel’.”Hanukkah treats will be on sale at the reception afterward. Reception to follow, with Hanukkah goodies for sale. Tickets will be available at the door – prices and other details are on the concert’s Facebook event page. P.S. Other West Seattle Hanukkah events are in the WSB Holiday Guide – please let us know if we’re missing any!
(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB, added late Saturday night)
ORIGINAL REPORT, 4:50 PM: The holiday songs are pouring from the speaker, the crowd is starting to gather, and the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting is coming up at the top of the hour. If you’re not already here, get down to Junction Plaza Park at 42nd and Alaska – the actual lighting is expected around 5:40 or so, but it can always run ahead of schedule, so the sooner you’re here, the better. Here’s the lineup as announced earlier in the week by the Junction Association.
5:49 PM: The tree is lit! as of a few minutes ago. (Added video – two kids from the crowd joined the Hi-Yu Junior Court to officially push the button.) The Junction Association estimated the crowd at about 500 – and the rain held off!
LATE SATURDAY NIGHT: Adding photos by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams and video by WSB editor Tracy Record. The Junction Association’s welcome was delivered by Doug Baldwin:
Here’s video, as Doug introduced longtime emcee Marty Riemer:
From ArtsWest in The Junction, stars of the holiday-season production “The Winter Wonderettes” wowed the crowd with brassy renditions of Christmas classics:
Video, including their introduction by AW leader Line Sandsmark:
More entertaining holiday songs were presented by West Seattle’s own Endolyne Children’s Choir:
Here’s video of their performance, including a few words by director Amy Stagno Bokanev:
Check out their concert schedule online. In addition to holiday music, the spirit of the season was discussed briefly by West Seattle Christian Church Pastor Dan Jacobs and by WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland, who were followed in this clip by a few more words from emcee Marty:
Meantime, the crowd enjoyed refreshments:
Hi-Yu Junior Court royalty including Queen Madison Stanley-Jones assisted with program distribution as well as (as seen in our video above) the lighting:
But the star remained .. the tree.
See you at the first Hometown Holidays Sunday tomorrow … with DIY Santa photos at City Mouse (4218 SW Alaska) and mule-drawn-carriage rides, both 11 am-3 pm.
Thanks to Alice Kuder for sharing the photo from the first of this season’s “Santa Paws” events – happening till 3 pm at Prudential NW, Suite 600 at Jefferson Square (4700 42nd SW). From the invite in the WSB West Seattle Holidays Guide: “Bring your dog, cat, friend, or family for a complimentary photo with Santa! Or, just drop by to say hello, and enjoy some coffee and holiday treats.” You don’t have to bring a donation for the West Seattle Food Bank and/or Toys for Tots (which takes new, unwrapped toys), but they’re welcome!
Evi Feltus from Swedish Medical Center says she and another West Seattleite working on this event would love to see community members there, since the hospital serves kids from all over the area: “Holidays at the Hospital” is happening tomorrow (Sunday), 1-4 pm, fun and free. Here’s the online invite:
We hope you can join us for a winter wonderland celebration for Swedish Pediatric patients, families, & friends!
This is a fun, festive holiday celebration for the community that will feature:
Photos with Santa, Carolers, Teddy Bear Clinic, Cookie decorating, Face painting, Holiday activities and crafts tables Plus, we’ll have a super special guest from the Seattle Sounders, Roger Levesque!We’ll also be collecting toys for children up to age 18 as well as donations for art supplies and games. Donated items will be given to children at the hospital receiving care and treatment.
This is at Swedish on First Hill downtown, 1101 Madison.
That’s the Junction Plaza Park Christmas Tree – photographed Friday afternoon, just about ready for tonight’s gala Hometown Holidays lighting ceremony at 5 pm (see you there)! That’s one of many events from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide (and our regular calendar) in this morning’s list of highlights:
WEST SEATTLE KIWANIS COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST: As mentioned earlier this morning, it’s happening right now! Pancakes, juice, Husky Deli ham, photos with Santa, and more, till 11 am at the Masonic Hall, 40th and Edmunds. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots if you can (and note that West Seattle Hi-Yu is selling their blown-glass ornaments, too).
THE COVE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9:30-11 am today, come check out this West Seattle preschool (WSB sponsor) – details here.
WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon today, you are invited to drop by Westside School (WSB sponsor), an independent elementary/middle school, at 7740 34th SW – last open house during this admission season. Official invitation with details here!
HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS: 3rd annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. 10 am-4 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation Social Hall, 7141 California SW. “You’ll find original and one-of-a-kind gifts: felted hats; knits; jewelry; watercolor paintings; designer bags and accessories; greeting cards and stocking stuffers; edible holiday goodies; glass art; Shibori fiber art; and more. Enjoy free refreshments. Cash and checks only.”
DRUM, DANCE, AND SING: 11 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), for kids and parents – details here.
AVALON GLASSWORKS OPEN HOUSE: Holiday Open House at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm. Details on the Facebook event page. Buy a beautiful glass apple to benefit White Center Food Bank!
BENEFIT PET PORTRAITS: Noon-6 pm at Mind Unwind in The Admiral District, benefiting Art for Animals’ Sake. Details here.
‘SANTA PAWS’: Noon-3 pm, 4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 600, Jefferson Square Shopping Center: Bring your dog, cat, friend, or family for a complimentary photo with Santa! Or, just drop by to say hello, and enjoy some coffee and holiday treats. Hosted again this year by Prudential Northwest Realty and West Seattle Food Bank. Accepting donations for the Food Bank & Toys for Tots, but no contribution is required. Appointments recommended but not necessary – 206-932-4500.
FREE HOME-RENOVATION WORKSHOP: 1 pm at Ventana Construction (WSB sponsor; California and Findlay), but call to see if there’s room – get the number and more info, here.
SNAP NEIGHBORHOOD-PREPAREDNESS MEETING: 1 pm at Hiawatha Community Center.
(“Ex-Westwood Santa” – photo courtesy Lisa Myers of CAPERS)
‘EX-WESTWOOD SANTA’ AT CAPERS: That’s where the Santa some knew as “Ex-Westwood Santa” (from 2010 and previous years) can be found. From CAPERS‘ Lisa Myers – It’s a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank. Cash and canned food will be collected to share with our neighbors in need. 2-6 pm today (for other dates, and other Santas, see the Holiday Guide).
JUNCTION TRIVIA CRAWL: Starts at 3 pm today, but you have to sign up! Get the info here.
ART UNDER $100: South Park’s big annual event, 3:30 pm-9 pm, full details here
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT FLEURT: 4-7 pm at Fleurt (4536 California SW). Proprietor Sam says, “We will be offering light snacks, a raffle, and door prizes. We would like our guests to bring along a food item for donation to the West Seattle Food Bank.”
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS TREE LIGHTING IN THE JUNCTION: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Christmas Tree Lighting, 5 pm. Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska). Here’s the lineup, as published on WSB earlier this week, including live entertainment.
‘ROCKY HORROR’ AT THE ADMIRAL: Midnight tonight (like the first Saturday of most months) at Admiral Theater, it’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with shadow cast and all.
As long as this list is, it’s just part of what’s happening – see the Holiday Guide for more Santa photos, for Christmas tree sales, etc., and see the regular calendar for non-holiday events.
The first students have crossed the bridge and arrived at Sears SODO for the biggest event the Rotary Club of West Seattle organizes every year, the Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree. They’re coming here from five elementary schools in West Seattle – 96 kids [updated number], greeted by a corps of volunteers more than double that size:
A little breezy this morning! Inside, volunteers of all ages – from high-school students to retirees – have already been busy in the pre-dawn hours, getting ready:
The tasks range from assembling bags for the kids – who are from Arbor Heights, Highland Park, Sanislo, Schmitz Park, and West Seattle Elementaries – to keeping track of the volunteers:
They’re not just West Seattle Rotarians, but also Panhellenic sorority and fraternity members, as well as the aforementioned students, including University of Washington Rotaract members and Mercer Island High School Interact members. They’ve all just heard the morning’s order of events from West Seattle Rotary president Andy Horner:
He noted this has been growing since 1972, when the West Seattle Rotary held the first shopping spree … for nine students. With him in that photo, at left, is Martha Sidlo, who organized this year’s shopping spree. Next up – volunteers are paired with kids, for breakfast, followed by shopping – $100 gift cards, to be used to purchase essentials (with a 10 percent discount) – Santa photos, and lunch.
ADDED 8:14 AM: Before shopping, there’s the waiting …
Then the smiling (with Rotarian Josh Sutton):
The shoe-fitting:
The coat-choosing (with Rotarian Dr. Susanne Gee):
And inside Sears, the shopping (that’s Anissa the Elf, offering a greeting)
ADDED 11:48 AM: Santa listened to many wishes, and posed for many photos, but this scene said it all:
To make this happen, it takes many donors and sponsors – they had big thanks, for example, for their baked-goods donors The Essential Baking Company and Macrina Bakery, as well as for SODO Kitchen, the venue in the Sears/Starbucks building where everyone gathered – and you can donate too: A link to the Shopping Spree fund is on the Rotary home page.
P.S. Some extra info from WS Rotary president Andy: 256 was the final volunteer count – 35 Rotarians, 221 non-Rotarians. Four drivers from First Student transported the kids – Chuck, Robert, David, Jim. The schools each had coordinators – including Arbor Heights principal Christy Collins, Pam Rago from Highland Park, Nina Bowman from Sanislo, Jennifer Toth from Highland Park, and Tracie Thompson from West Seattle Elementary.
When we stopped by Jack and Linda Menashe‘s Beach Drive home last Sunday to see how the first day of decorating was going, the family was planning to ceremonially turn on their dazzling display tomorrow night. Then we spotted a post on the Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor) Facebook page this afternoon announcing it would happen tonight instead. The actual “lighting” is generally casual anyway – the lights were on when we pulled up around 6:45, and then there was a quick off-then-on lighting just after 7 to make it official.
If you’ve seen the lights but never met the family – here are Linda and Jack Menashe, stopping for a moment in tonight’s rain to pose under the light show that went up as usual with so many family and friends:
(added) Some new features this year – can you spot them in this closer look?
(If you’re going to see it, the house is in the 5600 block of Beach Drive – no close cross-street; it’s a little closer to the south end – Lincoln Park Way/48th SW intersection – than the other end.)
The traditional Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) “Blessing of the Trees” was scaled down a bit this year, because of the rain – those four trees were brought inside and stood in for the rest of the lot. Father John Madigan joked that they had all the holy water they needed:
It’s part of the “Festival of Trees” happening at HR (41st and Dakota) till 9 pm – you’re welcome to stop by for everything from free family photos (under cover!) to kids’ craftmaking, and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on the big screen. More to come.
‘Tis the season of the upside-down tree at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village … which got a special visit Thursday night from Santa Claus, among others:
The occasion – the November edition of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce After-Hours get-together, which not only was a meet-up with Santa, but also a tour of Westwood Village businesses, including Giannoni’s Pizzeria:
At center is Giannoni’s proprietor Donna Burns, with daughter Georgia and friend Hanna. Back over at Santa’s Village (in the former Dress Barn space this year, as noted here), Rick Jump from the White Center Food Bank had a moment with Mr. Claus:
Next up for the Chamber: Mix, Mingle and Jingle, December 13th at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor). Adding that one now to our list of all things West Seattle Holiday-ish – see it here.
Just in from The Admiral Theater: This year’s free holiday movie, to be screened at 4 pm Sunday, December 16th, benefiting the Seattle Humane Society:
The Admiral Theater is proud to announce this year’s free community Christmas movie……drum roll please….”The Nightmare Before Christmas“.
Painstakingly and meticulously crafted, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a beautiful and unforgettable film from start to finish. It is original, funny, and moving.
Again, admission is free but we are asking for a donation to my “pet” (pun intended) charity – The Seattle Humane Society.
Bring dog/cat food, toy’s, bedding, etc. and make the holidays bright for our 4-legged friends. …
This is a classic Christmas family movie and as usual, we urge the community to show up early. It fills up fast. The movie starts at 4 PM, Sunday, December 16th.
Adding this to our West Seattle Holiday Guide – where you can find dozens of other holiday events, offerings, and giving opportunities, now through New Year’s.
Big weekend ahead for Christmas-tree buying, since December is about to arrive. If you’ve ever wandered through a Christmas tree lot and wonder which tree type was which, here’s some help: At the Holy Rosary School Tree Lot (WSB sponsor) this year, there’s a special setup you can check out before you browse and buy. From left in the photo above – Norway Spruce, White Pine, Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Turkish Fir, Noble Fir. This is the third year Holy Rosary has sold trees at 41st and Dakota, on the north side of its own campus (after many years at other locations), and students like Mia Presser have been visiting neighbors this week to get the word out that it’s tree time!
The doorhanger Mia’s holding (see it here, if you didn’t get one) reminds recipients not only of the location but also that part of the proceeds go again this year – 15 percent, to be specific – to West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Helpline, and the Salvation Army domestic-violence shelter Hickman House:
You also can bring food donations to the tree lot and drop them off. The Holy Rosary lot is open 4 pm-8 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 3 pm-9 pm Fridays, and 9 am-9 pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Along with the trees, you’ll find wreaths and garlands, too. In case you have any trouble finding them – though it’s barely a block off California – here’s a map. They’re open daily, with the aforementioned hours, through Sunday, December 16th – and tomorrow night, you’re invited to a special community event – the first ever Holy Rosary Tree Festival, 6-9 pm Friday (November 30th):
Invite your family and friends for festive treats, crafts/activities for the kids and a LOT of holiday cheer! A professional photographer will be there to take free digital family photos. THANK YOU to Filmateria Productions for providing the photographer.
(Photo courtesy West Seattle Kiwanis; that’s ‘elf’ Karl de Jong)
As you might have noticed if you travel the Fauntleroy end of the West Seattle Bridge, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle Elves have put up a banner at “Walking on Logs” as another reminder that their Community Pancake Breakfast is coming up Saturday, 7 am-11 am – ticket details and more in this WSB story. That’s one of the many events/notes you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, covering now through New Year’s. From the guide and from our regular WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s up today/tonight:
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 11:15-11:45 am at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge), free and fun for the little ones.
FREE WINE TASTING: 5:30-8 pm, the December Collector’s Club wines will be showcased at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor), 6026 California SW. P.S. If it’s your FIRST visit to WS Cellars, you get 10 percent off your purchase – as explained here.
SHOP LATE THURSDAYS IN THE JUNCTION: After the Thanksgiving break, it’s back to this holiday-season staple – with many shops open till 9 pm (see the latest list of participants here). One special feature this week: West Seattle Fashion Night with local boutiques on the runway at Shadowland – details here.
‘THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH’: Local filmmaker Amy Benson is again showing the rough-cut version at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm, free. Something different this time: She and her filmmaking partner Scott Squire now are running a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign in hopes of raising money to cover their final expenses as they get ready to go back to Nepal for one more shoot as they explore a growing threat to the lives of girls and women there.
DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3062 AVALON: As previewed here last night, the next project to go before the Southwest Design Review Board for “early design guidance” is a 100-plus-unit building proposed next to another planned 100-plus-unit building, this one at 3062 SW Avalon Way. The meeting’s at 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).
WESTSIDE BURLESQUE REVUE: The monthly extravaganza at Skylark Café and Club (3803 Delridge Way SW) is tonight at 9 pm (21+ only).
Update on two local teenagers’ community toy-donation drive, Holidays 4 Hope, first noted here last week:
Clint Hewitt and Conrad Hill are pleased to announce that after meeting with Zippy’s Giant Burgers owner Blaine Cook this morning, the “Holidays 4 Hope” toy drive will have a donation bin at Zippy’s! The two Chief Sealth International High School seniors are collecting toys to brighten the holiday of local children. The next time you head to Zippy’s for one of their amazing burgers and vintage sodas, remember to take a new toy, book, or game to donate!
Zippy’s Giant Burgers at 9614 14th SW is the newest local site hosting a toy donation bin, joining the Original Bakery at 9253 45th Avenue Southwest, JC’s Deli at 9007 35th SW, as well as Chief Sealth International High School and Shorewood Christian School.
Please help us make a positive impact on the lives of local children and families for this holiday season! We are excited and grateful for the community support we are receiving for Holidays 4 Hope! Thank you to everyone hosting our holiday donation bins and bringing donations for the kids! We really appreciate every contribution!
For additional information on Holidays 4 Hope, contact Clint Hewitt at c.hewitt206@gmail.com or Conrad Hill at crhill2013@gmail.com
As the students write – it’s up to you now … fill those donation bins!
Four weeks till Christmas, and five nights till the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting this Saturday night! 
Today we have the lineup, so you know what to expect (and so you know you won’t miss the actual lighting if you can’t get there immediately, though the park fills up and you won’t want to wait unless you absolutely have to!):
The event’s official start is at 5 pm. The Starlite All-Stars, local musicians featured at Shadowland‘s Tuesday night singer/songwriter showcase, will start playing before then, and will continue till a few minutes after 5. That’s when Doug Baldwin from the Junction Association (and Windermere West Seattle) will introduce the emcee returning for a 4th year, West Seattle-residing radio personality Marty Riemer. He’ll be followed by ArtsWest executive director Line Sandsmark introducing a number by the “Winter Wonderettes,” the ArtsWest holiday show. They’ll be followed by the Endolyne Children’s Choir, introduced by director Amy Stagno Bokanev. You’ll also hear from West Seattle Christian Church‘s pastor Dan Jacobs (long active in Junction events – including volunteering to run the projector for summertime West Seattle Outdoor Movies) and WestSide Baby executive director Nancy Woodland. Then at about 5:40 pm, emcee Marty introduces the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival Junior Court, who will count down and light the tree. That will lead into more music by the Starlite All-Stars, as the event wraps up around quarter till six.
Please note that times are approximate – we’ve covered this since 2007 (even emceed it in ’08) and it can go a lot faster, or a little slower. Hope to see you there right from the start.
This is just one of dozens of holiday events and notes in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, updated at least once a day as the season continues – see it here.
Reminder from the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival team: “The Hi-Yu Junior Court will be at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Saturday, December 1, 7 am-11 am. Add or start your collection by getting your unique blown-glass ornament for $20. Ornaments will also be available for purchase at certain store locations, Junction Hometown Holidays events, and online. Check out westseattlehiyu.com for details.” Ornament sales benefit Hi-Yu programs. And one more reminder that applications are being accepted for this year’s Senior Court until Friday – more info in our story from last month.
The Sunday sunshine was a boon to many who wanted to get their Christmas lights up – including the small army of family and friends working on West Seattle’s biggest and brightest display at the Menashe family’s home in the 5600 block of Beach Drive. They started work at 8 this morning, Josh Menashe told us, and by the time we stopped by about five hours later, they’d made a lot of progress. We got to meet two exuberant helpers – two of Jack and Linda Menashe‘s grandchildren, Jacob Menashe‘s daughters Sophia and McKenna, who were riding in the cherry picker:
The girls helped show us some of the new/newer decorations waiting in the yard – including candy canes taller than they are:
Here’s the biggest of the light-laden stars waiting to be put up around the property:
And while some of the shrubbery already was decked with bulbs, more lights – in boxes and tubs – waited to be added to the mix:
The Menashes will continue working on their display throughout the week, and they’re expecting to officially turn the lights on at 7 pm this Saturday (December 1st) – if you want to be there, that’ll give you (and us!) time after the West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree Lighting celebration, (5 pm Saturday). Another date to note – the evening of December 15th, Santa will be at the house for photos, as a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank.
A special event tonight at West Seattle Lights/Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, designer Jim Winder‘s music-synched light show at a little house on SW Charlestown across from the water tower: Singer Judy Pancoast flew cross-country for a free concert to open her holiday-season tour, visiting homes with animated Christmas-lights displays that incorporate her music. In our video, two versions of “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” – and you’ll notice the dancing during the second one, since the audience was in the street, closed one night only so the concert, followed by the light show, could be enjoyed block-party style. Photos to come!
ADDED 1:53 AM: Scenes from the show, by WSB contributing photojournalist Nick Adams:
That’s WSL mastermind Jim Winder with a wave for the crowd. Among those watching, Mike and his dad:
After the concert, the colors:
13 more scenes, ahead:
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