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See the Reign, help the Wildcats!
March 11, 2024 9:13 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

If you’re thinking of going to Lumen Field this season to see a Reign FC soccer match, here’s a way your ticket purchase can help local student athletes:

The West Seattle High School Girls’ Soccer team is in dire need of funds for uniforms and equipment this year. The Reign FC has graciously offered to support the team and give $5 for every ticket sold for a Reign FC match this year. See their schedule here.

Use this link to buy tickets as part of the fundraiser.

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4, 3, 2, 1 … West Seattle 5K registration off and running!
March 8, 2024 5:09 pm
|    Comments Off on 4, 3, 2, 1 … West Seattle 5K registration off and running!
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

We told you last month that the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki will be back this year on May 19. As of today, registration is officially open! That means it’s time for full details – here’s what the coordinating organization, the West Seattle High School PTSA, tells us:

All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K provide funding for West Seattle High School to fund monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom-supply needs, and student-led initiatives.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K in the past 15 years or so. In 2023, we had almost 1,200 registrants and raised $34,000 for West Seattle High School! Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat and fast course starting and finishing at the Alki Bathhouse, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in many categories.

Coming back for a second year – we will have a grade-level competition among West Seattle High School students. The goal is to create a friendly competition to see which grade gets the most classmates to register. The winning grade gets out of Homeroom early for a special treat and cash ($250) to their grade-level ASB. “We have heard from event runners that they didn’t know this event benefited the high school, so we want to make sure to raise that awareness as well as get as many high schoolers involved as possible,” says Kelley O’Connor, event co-chair.

“As you know, Seattle Public Schools is facing an enormous budget shortfall and limited funding for the programs we know our students need,” says WSHS PTSA president Holly Rikhof. “The WSHS PTSA is dedicated to funding the academic and classroom support we have long taken for granted at West Seattle High School. Until 2023, our students benefited from a levy that funded a robust tutoring program, including school-day, after-school, and Saturday tutoring. This year, we have been able, through your generous donations, to fund a monthly staffed Saturday Study Hall that benefits an average of 100 students each session, classroom supply needs, and student-led initiatives.”

Other popular 5k features include a “Sleep In” and “sponsor a student runner” options. There are buttons on the registration page to donate to the 5k if you’d rather sleep in that morning or don’t wish to run/walk. This is our community neighborhood high school and we hope residents will feel generous in supporting the school and local students. This is a fun way to directly give back!

Registration is live now at westseattle5K.com. Pricing:
● Adults are $35 (5/13 and later is $40)
● Youth 19 and under are $20 (5/13 and later is $30)
● West Seattle High School students are $20 (5/13 and later is $30)
● West Seattle High School staff is free (need passcode and can buy shirt for $15)
● Kids under 6 are free (no shirt included, but can buy for $15)

We have amazing sponsors to thank: Sea Pines Physical Therapy, West Seattle Runner, Homes By Pia, Space B.A.R. Wellness, and so many more. Please go to westseattle5K.com to see all sponsors!

The West Seattle PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit Parent, Teacher and Student Association of West Seattle High School. We provide parent education, opportunities for families to connect to the school community, and support for education through fundraising and advocacy.

WSB has signed on as media sponsor, as we’ve done every year since the first West Seattle 5K in 2009.

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You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank
March 7, 2024 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on You’re invited! Be one of the ‘Instruments of Change’ celebrating, supporting West Seattle Food Bank
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

Early-bird discounted tickets are available right now for the West Seattle Food Bank‘s 17th annual Instruments of Change Gala and Auction on April 27th at The Hall at Fauntleroy. From the announcement:

Enjoy an evening of celebration and giving to support the West Seattle Food Bank in their mission to prevent hunger and homelessness for our neighbors.

The West Seattle Food Bank plays a crucial role in providing food, clothing and rental assistance to individuals and families in need throughout West Seattle. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit their programs and help the community.

Tickets for Instruments of Change Gala and Auction are available for purchase online. If you purchase “Early Bird” tickets or a table by March 15, you will save $25 per ticket and be entered into a drawing for a $100 auction credit to use at the event. The final date to register is April 16, but hurry – tickets are limited and sell out fast. If you are unable to attend, but would like to support, you can make a donation on the registration page.

Sponsorship opportunities and auction donations are also available for businesses looking to show their support and give back to the community. West Seattle Food Bank would like to thank this year’s current event sponsors Cascadia Produce and Pet Supplies Plus.

Here’s how the night will unfold:

Happy Hour will begin at 6 pm with hors d’oeuvres and drinks served while guests enjoy games, a photo booth and silent auction. During the dinner and seated program, learn about the impact and accomplishments of the organization thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, through a video by Straight8 Films. The evening will also celebrate this year’s IOC award winner, C & P Coffee, selected by WSFB for their ongoing support. Guests will then have a chance to bid on live auction items including exclusive trips and experiences, then wrap up the evening with a Dessert Dash.

For more information about the Instruments of Change Gala and Auction, including sponsorship opportunities, auction donations or hosting a table, please contact Breanna Bushaw at breanna@westseattlefoodbank.org or 206-686-4521.

We’ve signed on as media sponsor – see you there!

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YOU CAN HELP: Be part of Roxhill Elementary’s yearbook
March 6, 2024 9:18 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Friends of Roxhill Elementary invites local businesses and organizations to support the school and its students by advertising in the Roxhill yearbook. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

Calling all West Seattle business owners!
Support Your Neighborhood School and Your Business

Roxhill Elementary is your local neighborhood elementary school. Roxhill is a Title 1 public school, meaning that a high percentage of students live in low-income households. This year, we are working with 5th graders to produce a high quality yearbook that will be distributed to every student regardless of their family’s ability to pay for one.

You can help support your local school and students in your community by buying an ad to promote your business in our yearbook. This helps offset the cost of yearbooks for families who cannot pay for one themselves and introduces families to local businesses they can support. Best of all, it ensures that ALL students can keep this memento of their elementary school days.

Ads are affordable and help build awareness in your immediate community. Roxhill Elementary is made up of ~245 students and 50 teachers and staff members. All ads are printed in color and yearbooks will be distributed at the end of June 2024.

Ad prices range from $45 to $155, and the deadline is (updated) March 25 – you can fill out this form (which has more details) or email friendsofroxhill@gmail.com. (You can also donate to the yearbook fund without an ad – do that here.)

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GOT JOBS? Be part of this year’s West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair
March 4, 2024 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Last year, almost two dozen local businesses and organizations were part of the West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair. This year’s event is a month away and organizers asked us to share this invitation for participation:

West Seattle High School Job and Internship Fair – 4/3/24

If you’re looking to hire teens and/or soon-to-be high school graduates, West Seattle High School is hosting the WSHS Job and Internship Fair on April 3rd from 11:30am-2:30pm. Come showcase your opportunities and connect with students!

Fill out this MS Form to attend: forms.office.com/r/vh7TccqWEZ or email Brian Fitzgerald at bjfitzgerald@seattleschools.org with questions or concerns.

Positions offered can include:

Paid
Volunteer
Internships
Permanent
Seasonal
Pre-apprenticeships
Apprenticeships

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YOU CAN HELP: Mutual-aid food pantry in West Seattle seeking support
March 2, 2024 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Mutual-aid food pantry in West Seattle seeking support
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

We talk a lot about the major nonprofits helping feed and clothe people in our area, but there are myriad smaller efforts too. One of them is seeking support to keep going – here’s the request we were asked to share with you:

Covid-19 Mutual Aid – Seattle, South King County/Eastside Mutual Aid, and Super Familia have been hosting a mutual-aid food pantry every month for the past 3 years! We are a youth-led, immigrant-led group that supports 150 families each month with fresh produce – from local BIPOC farmers – and hygiene products. We have been distributing food for the past three years, and we are now in need of more support for this project to continue. We are looking for folks who can help us raise funds to buy produce from BIPOC farmers and volunteers who are able to commit to purchasing and dropping off grocery items each month at our location in West Seattle. Please fill out this interest form if you are able to work with us, and we will be in contact. Thank you so much!

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COOKIE TIME: Girl Scouts start selling outside West Seattle businesses Friday
February 29, 2024 7:47 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

Girl Scout Cookie fans, tomorrow (Friday, March 1) is the day – local scouts open “cookie booths” outside local businesses. According to the cookie finder on the Girl Scouts’ website, 12 West Seattle businesses host Scout troops’ cookie booths tomorrow afternoon and/or evening. But before we get to that list, the list of cookies (updated per commenters) is here – 9 flavors this year, including one that is gluten-free (Toffee-tastic), and one that is vegan (Thin Mints); halal and kosher info is here.

Now – here’s where you’ll find our area’s first round of cookie booths tomorrow, according to the Girl Scouts’ website:

Roxbury Safeway 2 pm-8 pm
Junction True Value 3 pm-5 pm
Husky Deli 3 pm-7 pm
Marination Ma Kai 4 pm-6 pm
Menchie’s 4 pm-6 pm
West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) 4 pm-8 pm
Easy Street Records 4 pm-8 pm
Trader Joe’s 4 pm-8 pm
Junction QFC 4 pm-8 pm
Westwood QFC 4 pm-8 pm
Admiral Safeway 4-8 pm
Junction Safeway 4-8 pm

If you can’t cookie-shop until the weekend, you’ll find additional locations and different hours Saturday and beyond. Cookie-booth season continues through Sunday, March 17; you can also buy online – if you search for cookie sales in your area, the search results will match you with a local troop from which you can buy online, as well as the nearest booths’ locations and times.

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GOT FURNITURE? West Seattle High School’s Student Council seeking some
February 29, 2024 9:22 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

This request was sent by Malia from the West Seattle High School Student Council:

We’re trying to jazz up our student community room and we could really use some help finding furniture and decor due to budgeting.

We’re on the hunt for some furniture donations to make our student community room super cozy and welcoming. We want it to be a place where students can hang out, study, and just enjoy being together!

If anyone out there has some gently used chairs, decorative lights, tables, couches, etc., we’d be so grateful. We’d be happy to swing by and pick up any donations. If you need more info or have any questions, just reach out to me at maliahbarker@icloud.com.

We asked Malia for a few specifics. The community room is about 200 square feet and “what we’re focusing on finding at least is 2 couches and 2 living chairs. Other decor is much appreciated as well!”

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‘The medical bills for Steve’s care have started to come in’: Crowdfunding for West Seattle bicyclist’s widow
February 28, 2024 8:58 pm
|      36 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(‘Ghost bike’ memorial at crash site – WSB photo from December)

Two months ago, 66-year-old Steve Hulsman was riding his bicycle in Arbor Heights when a 53-year-old man driving a car made a left turn and didn’t see him in time to stop. It was less than two hours later, according to the police report, when Mr. Hulsman died at the hospital. Now his widow is dealing with the bills, saying their coverage has been exhausted, and that the driver was uninsured. A friend asked us to write about her crowdfunding page, so we also looked into the status of the case. King County Superior Court and Seattle Municipal Court files don’t show any charges filed, so far, in the incident, though the officer who wrote the initial report noted that the driver “operated his vehicle in a manner that endangered a person.” As was first reported by Seattle Bike Blog, records show the driver had a suspended license and a history of DUIs, but officers said that at this scene there was no indication he was impaired. Meantime, SDOT has told us in past cases that they evaluate sites of traffic deaths for possible modifications; we asked them about this location, and a spokesperson replied, “We conducted review of the site at Marine View Dr SW and 46th Ave SW as part of our fatal-review process. We will carefully assess the findings and engage in discussions to determine the most appropriate next steps for this location.” We’ll continue following up. Meantime, Mr. Hulsman’s widow is also hoping that crowdfunding will help with the costs of a memorial for her husband and for bike safety projects, which were a passion of his. Here’s the link.

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FAUNTLEROY YMCA: ‘Exciting news’ promised at Thursday event. Also, more community collaboration needed
February 27, 2024 2:31 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | How to help | West Seattle news

“We have some exciting news regarding Fauntleroy to share at our Annual Fund Drive,” says West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) branch executive Cleveland King. “The bottom line is we are going nowhere anytime soon. We are committed to the Fauntleroy community and our partnership with the Fauntleroy Church.”

The Annual Fund Drive event is the Y’s annual fundraising kickoff, and it’s happening this Thursday (February 29), 6:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church‘s Fellowship Hall, steps from the Y facility that’s been the source of concern these past few months, ever since word began circulating that its closure was a possibility as the Y dealt with financial challenges. King is set to present an update on Fauntleroy’s status as part of the scheduled program.

But he also tells WSB that so far the community commitment to helping save and improve the location has fallen short of hopes. At last month’s “town hall” meeting about the Fauntleroy situation, the creation of committees, and a request for participation, was announced. The first committee meetings were held recently, “and a total of 6 people showed up,” King says. They “spent a significant amount of time reviewing the Fauntleroy financials and the current state of the Fauntleroy YMCA,” he adds, and notes, “there were some great comments and suggestions from the group that attended. We are hopeful to have more significant input from the community. The groups decided to give others another opportunity to participate before we started the planning phases.” You’re invited to the next meetings, all on (NEW DATE) Tuesday, March 26: Fundraising Committee, 5 pm-6 pm; Planning Committee, 6:15 pm-7:15 pm; Volunteer Committee, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm. (MARCH 25 UPDATE: New times – everyone gather at 6 pm.)

Meantime, if you haven’t RSVP’d yet for this Thursday’s fund-drive-and-more event, this flyer has those details.

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TICKETS ON SALE: West Seattle High School’s Big Band Dinner Dance
February 27, 2024 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

That’s the West Seattle Big Band, guest-starring again this year at the West Seattle High School music-program-supporting Big Band Dinner Dance, 6-9 pm Friday, March 15, in the WSHS Commons (3000 California SW). Here’s the announcement:

Tickets are now available for our annual community dinner dance! Come and listen to the high school music students perform – not just our jazz band, but the band, orchestra, and choir too! And a wonderful dinner will be prepared by the WSHS Culinary Department. Come and see what our fabulous students are up to!

Featured Performance by the West Seattle Big Band, under the direction of Jim Edwards.

Dinner/Dance tickets are $30 when preordered, or $35 at the door (if available)
Dinner/Dance tickets for students, staff, or seniors are $20
Dance-only tickets are $10.

Go here to find the ticket link.

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GIVING: They bake what they donate! Community Loaves breadmakers visit West Seattle Food Bank
February 26, 2024 10:03 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

They came to the West Seattle Food Bank this morning with loaves of bread they’d baked themselves – unique donations for the food bank, which otherwise doesn’t accept homemade food. But this group is a special exception. They’re West Seattleites who are among the nearly 900 home bakers participating in Community Loaves, founded in 2020 by Katherine Kehrli, who joined them for today’s tour of the food bank.

WSFB’s executive director Fran Yeatts gave the visiting bread donors a behind-the-scenes look at food-bank operations. Monday is a prep day inside WSFB, not a distribution day for clients, so the bakers saw a whirlwind of activity – deliveries of “rescued” food donated by grocery stores and pet shops, sorting of a wide variety of donated items, packing of bags that will be taken to clients who can’t make it to the food bank’s 35th/Morgan HQ.

The delivery bags are usually how the Community Loaves bread gets to food bank clients – who otherwise might not get a chance to enjoy fresh whole-grain bread. Kehrli explains that since bread is “shelf-stable,” the bakers are not required to get special licenses to bake and donate their loaves. (7,000 provided to WSFB so far, and it’s just one of dozens with which Community Loaves partners!) She added that today’s visit was meant to help the bakers “understand how meaningful their work is.”

(That’s Community Loaves founder Katherine Kehrli behind the cart, in patterned jacket)

The food bank stats they heard were eye-popping – 1,500 households visiting the food bank each week, more than 400 home deliveries, 430 weekend food packs for students, 200+ people served by mobile food bank visits to locations including the Senior Center of West Seattle. (“We gotta bake more bread, guys!” somebody shouted to the group after hearing all that.) And of course, the food bank’s not just about food – they operate the Clothesline clothing bank and provide emergency rent (etc.) assistance that’s currently at a million-dollar-a-year pace to try to keep people out of homelessness (part of why WSFB especially appreciates monetary donations – they’d love to see you at the April 27 Instruments of Change fundraiser, too). Meantime, Community Loaves would be happy to see more home bakers participate.

If you’re interested, you can go here to sign up for an online information session coming up in early March.

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YOU CAN HELP: Here’s what West Seattle’s only emergency shelter needs right now
February 25, 2024 2:09 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, December 2023)

The Westside Neighbors Shelter, co-housed with the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160, is preparing to help people during another round of cold weather, and shelter manager Keith Hughes just sent word that they could use some community help:

Another round of overnight mid-30s cold on the way. The needs for the Shelter right now are:

instant oatmeal packets
instant hot chocolate
Top Ramen
Cup of noodles
laundry detergent pods
disposable razors
cotton gloves
winter-weight socks

The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska and usually open for donation dropoffs 7 am-5 pm daily.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Food trucks, beer, costumes @ Special Olympics of Washington’s Polar Plunge fundraiser
February 24, 2024 11:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

11:55 AM: Alki’s biggest post-holidays winter event is happening now – the Special Olympics of Washington Polar Plunge. The “plunging” doesn’t actually start until 1 pm, but the accompanying food-trucks-and-beer festival is happening now:

We counted 11 trucks – from west to east, Off the Rez, Thai-U-Up, Tabassum, Kathmandu MoMoCha, Whateke, The Cheese Pit, Sam Choy’s Poké to the Max, SeoulBowl, Theo’s Gyros, Alaska Weathervane Scallops.

Sorry, no lineup for the beer garden, but you can buy tokens for tastings:

And heaters are set up!

This is all scheduled to continue until around 4 pm, near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), with a costume contest coming up pre-plunge, shortly after noon.

ADDED 7:06 PM: Thanks to Robert Spears for sending photos from the costume contest and plunging!

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COUNTDOWN: Four days until Polar Plunge ‘winter beach party’ at Alki
February 20, 2024 7:59 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, past Special Olympics Polar Plunge)

If the forecast holds, it won’t be very “polar” for Saturday’s Special Olympics Washington-benefiting Polar Plunge at Alki. But it’s good news overall for the “winter beach party” that the event promises to be, with a beer garden, food trucks, and costume contest, before all the “plunging” gets going. The party starts near Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki) at 10 am Saturday (February 24); the costume contest starts around 12:10 pm, and even if you’re not going in the water (that begins at 1 pm), you have a role to play, since the costume judging will be by audience acclaim. If you do want to go in, there’s still time to register online. P.S. The beer garden also offers a tasting experience – tickets are available in advance online here.

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GRATITUDE: They asked, you answered
February 19, 2024 3:32 pm
|    Comments Off on GRATITUDE: They asked, you answered
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

On Saturday, we previewed Alki UCC‘s monthly donation drive, with an urgent call for warm outerwear, with many chilly nights still ahead before the warm season. Today we received this report from Cinda:

Alki UCC reporting in on how wonderful the response was from the West Seattle community due to your feature of our donation drive on the WS Blog. We received many warm coats, as well as hats, gloves, long underwear, blankets, etc. It was so great to greet everyone as they dropped off yesterday, to experience their positive spirits contributing to a deep need in the wider community. Thank you everyone who took the time out to search your closets and to drop by Alki UCC with your donation. Every single piece will go toward making someone a little warmer this month. We appreciate you so much!

We feature various ways to help – donating items, money, and/or time – almost daily, so if you’re having a drive/campaign/event/etc. in which the community can participate, please let us know by sending info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Got warm outerwear? Donation drive Sunday
February 17, 2024 2:56 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Got warm outerwear? Donation drive Sunday
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

On some Sundays, Alki UCC hosts a communitywide donation drive seeking specific items for people in need. Tomorrow’s the next one, with an emphasis on helping people stay warm – winter still has a month to go! Here’s the announcement:

Alki UCC Donation Drive this Sunday, February 18
6115 SW Hinds
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

Outerwear is the priority. We have no warm coats for men, need all sizes.

Also welcome: vests, long underwear, heavy hoodies, sweatshirts, gloves, beanies and socks.

Your donations of food, clothing, and outdoor gear are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center.

Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

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Crowdfunding for Full Tilt Ice Cream family after co-founder’s heart attack
February 16, 2024 6:13 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB photo of Justin and family last year as Full Tilt marked 15 years)

As reported on our partner site White Center Now, the co-founder of Full Tilt Ice Cream, Justin Cline, is in the hospital after a heart attack earlier this month. Friends have set up a crowdfunding account, with the update that Justin is now in serious but stable condition: “He is slowly improving. In the meantime, it is unknown how long his recovery will take and the family and business could use some support while they are navigating this.” Justin and partner Ann Magyar, parents of two, founded the shop in 2008 in downtown White Center, where it’s been a community anchor ever since. Here’s the crowdfunding link.

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RETURNING: Date set for 2024 West Seattle 5K. Sponsor search on now!
February 15, 2024 1:03 pm
|    Comments Off on RETURNING: Date set for 2024 West Seattle 5K. Sponsor search on now!
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(2023 photo by David Hutchinson)

Another signature springtime event has confirmed it’s returning this year – the West Seattle 5K run/walk on Alki. And the sponsor search is happening now. Here’s the announcement we received:

West Seattle High School and the PTSA are excited to announce the 2024 West Seattle 5K – Sunday, May 19.

All profits raised from the West Seattle 5K will provide funding for West Seattle High School to provide classroom tools, books, supplies, and much more to its students and teachers. The West Seattle High School PTSA is a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to encourage its students’ potential.

Thousands of runners and spectators from all corners of Puget Sound and beyond have participated in this 5K over the previous 13+ years. Participants are drawn to the event by the family fun, the gorgeous scenery, a flat course, and all the amenities that Alki Beach has to offer. The West Seattle 5K website (westseattle5K.com) is live.

So is the search for sponsors – the earlier you sign up, the better, so sponsors can be listed on posters, flyers, race T-shirts, etc. If you’re interested, contact Kelley O’Connor or Athena Frederick at sponsorwshs5k@gmail.com or 425-894-8641. (WSB has been a sponsor every year and expect to repeat this year too.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Denny IMS music fundraiser
February 15, 2024 10:24 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

A parent asked us to share this with you: A donation drive is under way to support music programs at Denny International Middle School. Organizers say, “Your support will help us offer a higher quality experience for our students in Band, Choir, & Orchestra.” If you can chip in, go here.

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West Seattle Junction’s spring flowers are growing now! So are adopt-a-basket opportunities
February 13, 2024 4:17 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Junction’s spring flowers are growing now! So are adopt-a-basket opportunities
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Though spring is still five weeks away, the baby blossoms you’ll eventually see in West Seattle Junction flower baskets this year are growing now. The Junction Association provided these photos from Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Blaine, raising the spring/summer color show again this year:

With basket season approaching, WSJA has opened this year’s adopt-a-basket opportunities – almost 100 this year, and you can adopt – aka sponsor – one for $189, supporting the nonprofit’s operations. You can sign up here.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: New girls’ water-polo team plans ‘Tread-a-thon’
February 9, 2024 4:18 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

We’ve reported before on the impending launch of a new high-school girls’ water-polo team. The players fought for, and won, permission – but that doesn’t come with funding, since it’s a “club sport.” So they’ve planned a unique fundraiser for tomorrow – outside West Seattle, but you can support online. Also note they’re still recruiting players! Here’s the announcement:

Members of the newly formed girls’ West Seattle Water Polo Team are holding an event to raise funds for startup costs associated with their first season. The Tread-a-thon is this Saturday, February 10, from 3-5 pm at Medgar Evers Pool. Players will tread for 100 minutes without touching the sides or bottom of the pool and without using floatation devices. Sponsors are invited to pledge per minute or a flat amount. Members of the team invite the West Seattle community to help by donating to their cause!

The girls forming this team attended several of [former School Board director] Leslie Harris’s community meetings in an effort to gain permission to field a team in the local high school league. Permission was granted by the league, but no funds are being provided by the school or district for the team. Donations will fund scholarships, pay for pool-rental time, league fees, and equipment.

Girls from any high school are welcome to join the team. Head coach Truly Dorland is ready to quickly bring new players to proficiency. Practices will be 2 mornings per week before school with home games on Friday evening. Season starts February 26th and runs to mid-May.

For more information, email wshswaterpolo@gmail.com.

Donations can be made to WSBooster by putting “Water Polo” in the notes.

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CONGRATULATIONS! All-State honors for two Chief Sealth student musicians
February 9, 2024 9:36 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

We have news of statewide honors for two local students – and an opportunity for you to support them. The announcement is from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts:

Two Chief Sealth International High School students have received top honors by being selected by the Washington Music Educators Association to participate in prestigious WMEA High School All-State performing groups.

Please join us in celebrating senior Tyler Peace Jones (pictured on the right), who has been selected to play viola in the All-State Orchestra, and senior Dylan Sagahon Smith (pictured on the left), who was selected to play guitar in the All-State Jazz Band for the Jazz Choir.

Nearly 1,900 students applied for this opportunity. From those, the finest high school musicians will rehearse and perform in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors. These WMEA All-State musicians were selected through auditions to participate in this outstanding event, which is sponsored by the Washington Music Educators Association.

Many professional musicians credit their All-State experience as crucial in their decision to choose music as a career. Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them.

Tyler plans to pursue a career in music as an orchestral conductor. Dylan plans on studying music along with entrepreneurial business and technology. We are so proud of their achievement and can’t wait to see how it launches them forward!

The WMEA High School All-State Honor Ensembles will meet in Yakima, February 15-17, 2024. But registration and the cost of making this trip are not covered by school funds. Help us celebrate Tyler and Dylan by contributing to the Denny Sealth Performing Arts Scholarship Fund to support their participation: PayPal “Denny Sealth Performing Arts” or Venmo @DennySealthPerforming Arts, and indicate “scholarship.”

Support Tyler and Dylan. Support the arts. Be a part of their journey!

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