(The Olympics this morning, by James Bratsanos. As with almost all photos on WSB, you can click to open a larger view)

Happy Friday! Many highlights for the rest of today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

GIFT IDEAS @ HOMESTREET: HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction will host vendors for a mini-bazaar: “Just a couple of locals selling some things that might make nice Christmas presents. We have one artist selling some cute little paintings, and we have someone else who will be selling essential oils. The event starts at noon and will probably go until about 5 pm or so. We’ll have cocoa and cookies also to enjoy while browsing.” (41st SW/SW Alaska)

HOLIDAY WINE RELEASE: Happening today (and tomorrow!) at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor). Two new wines: “Our new Holiday wine release includes a 2014 Chardonnay called ‘The Betrayal’ and a 2013 Merlot called ‘Heart Box Red.’ Past vintages of these same wines have won several awards and these two new wines follow in their great heritage.” 5-9 pm tonight, 2-7 pm Saturday. (5910 California SW)

HOLIDAY MOVIES: Short at 6:15, main feature at 7 pm, at Highland Park Improvement Club. Free – bring $ for concessions. Full details, including movie hints, on the HPIC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)

BELLS OF THE SOUND: Sounds of the holiday! Bells of the Sound live at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor): This year’s holiday concert is “Holiday Special,” featuring songs from beloved holiday-season TV specials. Come see and hear Puget Sound’s premier handbell ensemble at 7:30 pm – “as we reminisce with songs from our favorite holiday television specials including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,’ ‘The Year Without Santa Claus,’ and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’.” show and ticket details here – suggested donation $10/adults, $8/youth and seniors. (3940 41st SW)

FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7:30 pm. Five singers are from West Seattle, the announcement says:

They include Jackson Cecil and Hayden Wainwright, both 15 and at Garfield HS and Northwest School respectively, and 14-year-old Washington MS students Claire Ellerwood and Livia Woelfle. 12-year-old Emilya Buck is at Madison MS. The talented boys worked their way over many years to the top Performing Choir, and graduated to Vocalpoint! Seattle, where they were joined by the girls. They perform these thrilling concerts alongside the Northwest Boychoir that have become a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region and showcase the 90-member combined chorus.

More info, including ticketing, here. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: 7:30 pm performance tonight for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Radio Play” at Kenyon Hall. Buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link, or before the show at the box office. (7904 35th SW)

Lots more in the Holiday Guide, including ongoing light shows, donation drives, more …

Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

(Thursday sunset photo by Dan E)

YOUTH SPEAKS SEATTLE POETRY SLAM! Doors, food, signups at 6 pm; slam starts 6:30 pm. Part of “an annual poetry slam series to build community, showcase the next generation of Seattle’s poetic changemakers, and to decide the top 5 poets to rep Seattle at Brave New Voices.” Go slam, or go watch and listen! At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: All four of the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School varsity teams are home tonight – WSHS girls and boys hosting Bishop Blanchet, 7 pm and 8:30 pm respectively (3000 California SW); CSIHS girls hosting Holy Names, 7 pm, boys hosting O’Dea at 8:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SQUIRREL BUTTER: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘MELANCHOLIC POP’ with three bands at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(Western Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin. Curious about its leg? Read this.)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

DINE OUT FOR LAFAYETTE: 3-10 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, part of the proceeds benefit Lafayette Elementary. (4730 California SW)

TINKERLAB: With the High Point Library temporarily closed, Southwest Library is the place to go for today’s Tinkerlab drop-in session, focused on Finch Robots. 3:30-5 pm. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

CIRCLE OF SINGLES: 5 pm at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor). Event for singles 60+. (1936 Harbor SW)

SHOP LATE THURSDAY AT CLICK! Many Junction shops are open later than usual tonight – among them, longtime WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits, with a special pop-up event in its loft – details here. (4540 California SW)

CAROLING IN THE JUNCTION: Join in holiday songs while you’re shopping The Junction tonight – meet up with Emerald City Voices at 6 pm at Junction Plaza Park “to join in a stroll around the Junction. You’ll be stopping at local businesses to sing the season with holiday cheer,” as part of Hometown Holidays. (42nd SW/SW Alaska)

DENNY CONCERT: Postponed last week because of weather, the Denny International Middle School winter band/orchestra concert is happening tonight, 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium. (2600 SW Thistle)

WSHS CONCERT: The West Seattle High School Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra are performing their Winter Concert tonight, 7 pm, in the WSHS Theater. (3000 California SW)

ORCA TALK: The Southern Resident Killer Whales’ situation is more precarious than ever. Tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), The Whale Trail‘s first Orca Talk of the season brings you Lynne Barre from NOAA Fisheries with the latest on their status. Our preview includes ticket info – check to see if there’s room. (5612 California SW)

SHAKE THINGS UP: The monthly Alauda bellydancing showcase at The Skylark is at 7:30 tonight. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … for today and tonight – just check our complete calendar here.

(Bewick’s Wren, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

CRAFT FAIR: You’re invited to today’s Craft Fair at the Salvation Army, 10 am-6 pm. (9050 16th SW)

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am, for ages 3-5, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

LOCAL BIZ MEETUP: Entrepreneur? Proprietor? Wannabe businessperson? Noon-1:15 pm, come to this week’s free meetup at West Seattle’s only coworking center, Office Junction. (WSB sponsor; 6040 California SW)

DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR WSHS SOPHOMORES: 2-9 pm, Shelby’s in The Junction is donating a percentage of proceeds to the West Seattle High School sophomore class. (4752 California SW)

DINE OUT BENEFIT FOR ALKI ELEMENTARY: 3-9 pm at Chipotle in The Junction, a percentage of the proceeds benefit the Alki Elementary Learning Garden project. (4730 California SW)

FOOD DRIVE AT SOUTHWEST POOL: As we noted on Monday, you can bring in nonperishable-food donations during pool hours and/or bring in 3 items to get discounted prices for specific swims this week. Tonight – 7:30 pm public swim! (2801 SW Thistle)

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Free Gingerbread House Building Event for the community – Delridge Community Center, 6-7:30 pm. Must pre-register, barcode #158853, so call the center ASAP to register, 206-684-7423. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

CHRISTMAS PARTY: Trinity West Seattle hosts a free West Seattle Christmas Party for the community, 6 pm. Dessert bar, free photos with Santa Claus, Santa’s workshop for kids, live music. (7551 35th SW)

SANTA AT PEGASUS: Come get your Santa photos at Pegasus Pizza on Alki, 6-9 pm. Images free with any purchase. (2770 Alki SW)

‘GET FIT WEST SEATTLE’ INFO NIGHT: A new couch-to-half-marathon training program is about to start at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), and tonight at 7 pm, you’re invited to the store to find out about it. (2743 California SW)

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ HOLIDAY PARTY: 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, this month’s meeting is a holiday celebration. (9131 California SW)

AND THERE’S MORE … for today, tonight, and beyond, on our complete calendar.

(Downy woodpecker – our state’s smallest woodpecker! – photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FOOD DRIVE AT SOUTHWEST POOL: As we noted on Monday, you can drop off nonperishable-food donations during pool hours and/or bring in 3 items to get discounted prices for specific swims this week. Tonight – 8:30 pm water exercise. (2801 SW Thistle)

BABY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library, for 4- to 12-month-olds and their parents/guardians/caregivers. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

DINE OUT FOR OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: 2-9 pm at Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery, 10 percent of the proceeds today/tonight go to Our Lady of Guadalupe School. (4752 California SW)

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: 6-8 pm at the Salvation Army in West Seattle, families and students are invited to this dialogue, presented by the Southwest King County Discipline Coalition, to help shape how schools in our state handle discipline. Whether you can or can’t be there, you’re also invited to take this survey. More info here. (9050 16th SW)

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at the Sisson Building/Senior Center, it’s the meeting that had to be postponed when the city booked the big “open house” for last Wednesday. (Added) The agenda includes:

6:40 P.M. Election of 2017 Southwest District Council Officers

· Nominations for Chair and/or Co-Chairs: David Whiting, Eric Iwamoto
· Nominations for Vice Chair (see Co-Chairs)
· Nominations for Secretary: Vicki Schmitz Block
· Nominations for CNC Representative:

6:50 P.M. Discussion on changes to SWDC Bylaws

7:10 P.M. Proposed Rezone Changes

· Recap on last week’s HALA Mandatory Rezone Meeting(s) in West Seattle
· Overview of proposed changes

7:40 P.M. Southwest District Council Business

· CNC Update
· Announcements
· Other business

(4217 SW Oregon)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, with an agenda – as previewed here – including a citywide proposal for a “renters’ commission.” (42nd SW/SW Lander)

COMMUNITY MEDITATION: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: “Meditation instruction offered at the start of each evening, with tea and open discussion following group meditation for any who wish to participate.” Free. More info in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

HOLIDAY CONCERT: Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12 & Warm Holiday Classics. West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ final concert of the season. “Our Intermediate Orchestra will perform familiar works by Bizet and Dvorak as well as a contemporary treatment of ‘Hatikvah,’ an Israeli traditional folk song. A special treat is the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 12, featuring the orchestra’s own piano prodigy, Vincent Pham, age 12. The Wind Symphony will follow up with classical wind ensemble pieces and holiday favorites including Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’ and ‘A Christmas Festival’.” 7 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. FREE! (donations appreciated, of course!) (2600 SW Thistle)

CLASSIC COUNTRY: That’s what The Rolling Blackouts play, and they’re at Parliament Tavern 8-11 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(American Wigeon, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for tonight – aside from ongoing light shows, tree lots, etc. – but the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is topped by one big event at two locations:

CITY OPEN HOUSE ABOUT REZONING, ROADS, PARKING, PARKS, MORE: Tonight’s the night. We’ve been talking about this for weeks – talking about the central topic, proposed rezoning for the Mandatory Housing Affordability component of the mayor’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda, for even longer – and this is your chance to ask questions and offer comments. Other topics you can learn and ask about and comment on are all listed in our big preview published Tuesday. Tonight’s locations, 5:30-7:30 pm – just drop in, no presentations planned – are Shelby’s in The Junction (4752 California SW) and Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge (4408 Delridge Way SW).

P.S. In addition to the maps we’ve been showing – you will see a second version, just showing what’s proposed (not current zoning), at the open house. These maps have been added to the city’s feedback site at hala.consider.it (look for your nearest “urban village” on the dropdown, choose “expand map,” and scroll through both). Or, see just the second version of all West Seattle maps by going here.

Also happening today/tonight:

NETWORKING MEETUP: Working from home? Running your own business? Home on the peninsula for some other reason? West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) welcomes you to this week’s free networking meetup, noon-1:15 pm. (6040 California SW)

TOYS FOR TOYS, FINAL DAY: As mentioned here yesterday, today’s the final day of the Toys for Tots drive at John Moore‘s Northwest Insurance Group in Morgan Junction – drop off your new, unwrapped toy donation by 4:30 pm! (6055 California SW)

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSURE CONTINUES: Just one more reminder – the High Point Library‘s closure for renovations continues. The reopening date isn’t yet set but it will be sometime in January.

SINGER-SONGWRITER, LIVE: Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

HONKY-TONK, SWING, ROCK-N-ROLL, LIVE: Billy Joe Huels and the RC’s perform at Parliament Tavern, 8-11 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand)

First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

CONCERT: West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Brass Ensemble and Debut Orchestra: Great Beginnings! “It’s WSCO’s gift to the community, especially for our young folks, featuring orchestral and brass classics, and holiday favorites!” 6 pm, Chief Sealth International High School auditorium. FREE – donations appreciated. (2600 SW Thistle)

And from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DENNY DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 2-9 pm at Shelby’s in The Junction, 10 percent of the proceeds go to help Denny International Middle School. (4752 California SW)

JUNCTION NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: As previewed here, HALA rezoning, City Light lighting, and a Residential Parking Zone proposal are on the agenda. 6:30 pm, Sisson Building/Senior Center. (4217 SW Oregon)

FREE COMMUNITY MEDITATION: 7 pm @ Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – details here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SONGWRITER SHOWCASE: 8 pm-11 pm at Parliament Tavern, “a night of songs and stories.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOTS MORE … on the calendar!

Today’s featured bird is a bald eagle, captured in flight by a WSB reader who texted us the short video clip you see above – thank you! Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – where you’ll find these highlights AND more for today/tonight – and archives, four notes about what’s ahead:

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSURE: Today is the first day of the High Point Library‘s closure for renovations. Its book drop also is closed. The reopening date has not yet been announced – get the newest information here.

‘FIGHT THE FEAR’: 3:30-6 pm at West Seattle High School, all local teens are invited to this training on self defense, sexual-assault awareness and relationship-violence education. Parental permission is required for those under 18; the form is in our preview with other details of the event. (3000 California SW)

WWRHAH MEETS: 6:15 pm at Southwest Library, the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meets, with an agenda including the draft rezoning map for the WW-Highland Park Urban Village as proposed in the Mandatory Housing Affordability component of the city’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

WEST SEATTLE HI-YU MEETS: 7 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. Tonight’s agenda is focused on the budget, as this longtime community organization continues to figure out its future. (2306 42nd SW)

Nothing in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide for tonight – but we’ve continued to add more – Santa, light shows, bazaars, etc. – browse through when you get a chance! And if your event, service, giving opportunity is missing, e-mail us the info ASAP for inclusion – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

Welcome to December! Here’s what’s ahead for the rest of your Thursday. First, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:

HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Bridge Park in High Point invites you to shop the bazaar there today, noon-4 pm. (3204 SW Morgan)

MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: The biggest and brightest display in West Seattle is expected to be up and running tonight – we’ll be checking later. (5605 Beach Drive SW)

From the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, plus our archives and inbox:

DENNY FUNDRAISER: Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village fundraiser starts today for Denny International Middle School PTSA. Part of the proceeds will benefit Denny if you mention at checkstand – or buy via bn.com/bookfairs and enter (UPDATED NUMBER) Bookfair ID 12049292. (2600 SW Barton)

GET HELP APPLYING FOR COLLEGE $: College Goal Washington offers help in filling out the financial-aid application that needs to be turned in no matter where you’re going to college. 2-7 pm drop-in event at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) – details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

BUILD A ROBOT AT THE LIBRARY: Today’s drop-in Tinkerlab at High Point Library, 3:30-5 pm, involves Cubelet Robot Construction. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

GRAND OPENING IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm is the grand-opening celebration for the John L. Scott Real Estate office that has remodeled and moved into the former JF Henry building in The Junction. (4445 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL INFO NIGHT: For 8th graders and their families – come to tonight’s event and learn about what West Seattle High School offers. 6:30-8:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: 6:30 pm, the Southwest Design Review Board takes another look at the mixed-use project planned at 4532 42nd SW in The Junction, currently described as six stories with 74 apartments, 71 offstreet-parking spaces, and 5,200+ square feet of commercial space:

That rendering by architects Clark Design Group is from the full “packet,” which you can see here. The meeting will include a public-comment period. It’s happening at the Senior Center/Sisson Building. (4217 SW Oregon)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community council for White Center and vicinity meets at 7 tonight at the North Highline Fire District HQ, with an agenda including the new plan for a King County-operated shelter. (1243 SW 112th)

LOTS MORE HAPPENING … including nightlife! Just go check our complete calendar.

Thanks to Bob Spears for the photo of the Olympics’ Monday appearance! Here’s some of what you need to know about what’s ahead in West Seattle today/tonight:

GIVING TUESDAY: It’s another early-holiday-season tradition – today is “Giving Tuesday,” when you’re encouraged to donate to nonprofit(s) of your choice. Money, items, time, whatever you can do! One place to find local ideas is the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, where we feature a “Giving Opportunities” section all season long – this includes places where you’ll find giving trees, donation bins, as well as listings for benefit events. (Not too late for us to add yours – e-mail the info ASAP to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!)

Two local benefits on our calendar this Giving Tuesday:

*West 5 is donating part of its proceeds today/tonight to Jazz Night School (as previewed here) and featuring a live performance at 7 pm. (4539 California SW)

*Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery is donating part of its proceeds today/tonight to Genesee Hill Elementary. (4752 California SW)

Also from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

REZONING – ‘DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON?’ As previewed again here last night, tonight is the community-organized workshop you can attend to find out more about the city’s extensive rezoning proposals as part of the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda’s “Mandatory Housing Affordability” component. While effects in our area are focused on the five “urban villages” (Junction, Admiral, Morgan, Westwood-Highland Park, South Park), zoning changes are proposed for multifamily/commercial properties *everywhere*, too. Here’s the original announcement of tonight’s event, 6:30-8:30 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. (12th SW/SW Holden)

FREE PARENTING PRESENTATION: Learn about “Mindful Parenting” at 7 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), presented by West Seattle Cooperative Preschools – details in our calendar listing. (3940 41st SW)

BASKETBALL SEASON STARTS: As noted in our coverage of Saturday’s 13-team Chief Sealth Jamboree, high-school basketball season starts this week, and the first game is tonight – West Seattle High School hosts Mountlake Terrace at 7:15 pm. (3000 California SW)

JOE ROSS & THE BIRD WATCHERS: New Orleans/honky-tonk jazz, 8-11 pm at Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MUCH MORE GOING ON … see our complete calendar here!

(From Seacrest, photographed by Creighton)

Thanks to everyone who sent rainbow views from this morning’s sunrise – the sun broke through in the east, and rainbows resulted in the west/northwest. We’re interspersing four with today’s list of highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

(From Beach Drive, photographed by Scott Lipsky)

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR FAIRMOUNT PARK ELEMENTARY: 2-9 pm, Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery in The Junction is donating 10 percent to the Fairmount Park Elementary PTA. (4752 California SW)

MATH BUDDIES: 4-5 pm drop-in program for K-5 students at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

(Photographed from Alki by Dan Ciske)

COTTAGE GROVE COMMONS CONCERNS? The community advisory committee is reconvening tonight at 6:30 pm at the Delridge supportive-housing complex, as recently previewed here. (5444 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7-7:30 pm at Delridge Library, bring your kid(s) for songs, stories, and rhymes. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

(Photographed from Alki by Lynn Hall)

SOUTH SOUND TUG & BARGE: Live music, 8 pm, Parliament Tavern. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

LOOKING AHEAD TO THANKSGIVING … lots of info (restaurants, free community meals, coffee shops, grocery stores) in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide!

(Photo by David Hutchinson – taken from Don Armeni Boat Ramp)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

THANKSGIVING DEADLINES: If you’re ordering a pie, a dinner, or something else for Thanksgiving, doublecheck your deadline … for some, the cutoff has already passed, but here are three where the deadline is today:

Metropolitan Market: Deadline today; make a reservation online
A la Mode Pies: Noon today is the pre-ordering deadline
Caffe Ladro: Deadline today; order online

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Library. “The Madonnas of Leningrad” by Debra Dean is this month’s title – more info here. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ASSIGNMENT PLAN CHANGES: 6:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School‘s library, it’s the first of five citywide meetings about proposed changes to the district’s Assignment Plan, as previewed here. (2600 SW Thistle)

WEST SEATTLE QUILTERS: 7 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, it’s the semi-monthly meeting of this quilting group – all quilters welcome! (4217 SW Oregon)

QUIZ NIGHT: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DADS’ BOOK CLUB: Third weekly meeting for this new group, 8:30 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. Here’s how to get involved. (12th SW/SW Holden)

SOMETHING FOR OUR CALENDAR AND/OR HOLIDAY GUIDE? Please e-mail the info ASAP – plain text in your e-mail, not a Word doc or PDF or poster – to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Marc Milrod)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FALL WINE RELEASE: Again today (and tomorrow), 1-7 pm, the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus is open for you to taste and buy its fall releases. Free tasting and free parking. More info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

WINE TASTING: Try and buy wine at the Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) tasting room, 5-9 pm. (5910 California SW)

DUWAMISH RIVER CHOCOLATE FEST: 5:30-8 pm, drink beer, wine, and/or cider and eat chocolate to benefit the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse – details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

(Another view of this morning’s sunrise, photographed by Bradetta Vines)

BINGO NIGHT: Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School invites you to Charlie Brown Bingo Night, 6-9 pm in the school gym: “This is a great opportunity to help our school to buy resources while you are enjoying delicious food and winning great prizes.” (20th SW/SW Roxbury)

HPIC MOVIE NIGHT: At Highland Park Improvement Club:

Doors open at 6:00 pm with a children’s short at 6:15 and the main movie at 7. Free admission. Volunteers will be selling popcorn, candy, and other movie fare. Bring blankets and pillows or sit in our chairs. This is an all ages event. Bring your friends, family and neighbors.

Double Feature!

Short movie hint: Squeal! Fun times with some animated animals!

Feature movie hint: This 2005 PG (1 hr 37 minutes) movie features a governess who uses magic to rein in the behavior of seven ne’er-do-well children in her charge.

(12th SW/SW Holden)

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Join the local high schools’ Key Clubs for their fundraising spaghetti dinner, 6:45-8:45 pm at West Seattle High School:

At this event, there will be raffle prizes, cake walks, a photo booth, and so much more!

Tickets to enter are $10, and everyone is welcomed! There will be a dessert potluck, so please feel free to bring your favorite sweet dish! Thank you for supporting your local Key Clubs!

(3000 California SW)

‘SWEET, SWEET MUSIC’: Trillium Soul headlines the Fauntleroy Church concert-series return, featuring Irene Stewart on violin, 7 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’: Night two of ArtsWest‘s winter production; curtain time, 7:30 pm. Find ticket info in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

MUMFORD & SONS CONCERT FILM: 11 pm at Admiral Theater – details here. (2343 California SW)

MORE! for today/tonight/this weekend and beyond. Browse our complete calendar!

(Photo by Keri Watson, who says the eagle subsequently dropped the seagull when harassed by an osprey)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:

FALL WINE RELEASE: 1-7 pm today and each of the next two days, the Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus is open for its fall-release tastings. Free to taste; free parking; wine is available for purchase. More info in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

DROP-OFF TURKEY DONATION DRIVE: 4-7 pm outside Easy Street Records in The Junction, the West Seattle Food Bank will be there so you can drive up, ride up, walk up and donate a turkey and/or $15 to cover the cost of one. (California SW/SW Alaska)

MORGAN JUNCTION LADIES NIGHT: 6-9 pm at Second Gear Sports and My Three Little Birds (both WSB sponsors) as well as Lika Love and Nurture by Nature, it’s the Ladies Night/Shopping Extravaganza, with treats and specials at the participating shops, as well as a gift-certificate drawing you can enter with a flyer stamped at all four stores, and more, as previewed here.

FAIRMOUNT PARK ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:30 pm general-membership meeting, with free child care provided by the YMCA. (3800 SW Findlay)

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at The Kenney – this month’s meeting has been moved up a week because of next week’s holiday. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

TALK ABOUT CUBA TRAVEL & FISHING: 7 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), presentation and Q&A about traveling to and fishing in Cuba, as previewed here last night. (42nd SW/SW Oregon)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)

AFRICAN ALL-STARS: 7:30 pm performance at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center – dance and rhythm: “The artists are professionals from the best dance companies of both Guinea and Congo, West Africa.” Ticket information is in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

‘PETER AND THE STARCATCHER’: Opening night for ArtsWest‘s winter production; curtain time, 7:30 pm. Ticket info is part of our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

BELLY-DANCE SHOWCASE: Monthly free Alauda showcase at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

EVEN MORE … happening today/tonight/beyond. Check our complete calendar!

(Photo shared by Carl, from Alki earlier this week, saying this driftwood looked like a sea serpent – especially if altered a bit)

Our list of highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide starts with two dine-out fundraisers:

PEEL & PRESS DINE-OUT BENEFIT FOR WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: 20 percent of sales today at Peel & Press (WSB sponsor) in Morgan Junction, open noon-11 pm, go to the West Seattle Food Bank to help buy turkeys. You also can bring nonperishable food and turkeys to be collected for the WSFB. (6503 California SW)

SHELBY’S DINE-OUT BENEFIT FOR ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: 2-9 pm, 10 percent of your tab at Shelby’s Bistro and Ice Creamery in The Junction goes to help Roxhill Elementary via its PTSA, whose president Amanda Kay Helmick says, “The PTSA is currently raising money for field trips, supplies for our art class and sensory toys for our kids with special needs. This event is open to all of our West Seattle neighbors, and we hope to see you all there!” (4752 California SW)

Also today/tonight:

FREE COWORKING: New visitors can cowork for free at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor) until 3 pm today. (6040 California SW)

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING: Happening now. Yesterday we previewed what’s on the agenda as they vote on changes to the budget, which is to be finalized next week. Watch on Seattle Channel (online or cable 21).

MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA: 7 pm at Madison Middle School – everyone’s invited:

At the General Meeting we will discuss inclusion for our students and how to develop a conducive educational environment for all, whether the conversation is around students of color, cultures, or differing abilities.

We will receive updates from the Madison Administration about staffing, the Health Center around HPV and other services, Music Boosters, and PTSA business.

The Madison PTSA would like to invite all members of the Madison Middle School community to the meeting. You do not need to be a PTSA member to attend the meeting. Please consider joining the PTSA to help shape the priorities and support our school.

In the school library. (45th SW/SW Spokane)

WORDSWEST LITERARY SERIES PRESENTS ‘NOURISHMENT’: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), this month’s WordsWest presentation features award-winning author Alma García and performance poet Imani Sims “for an evening of literary nourishment.” Full details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: At Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: “This month the DNDC will hear an update on the Delridge Action Plan (Community Development Project) and information on what’s happening with HALA (Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda).” 7 pm. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOTS MORE … on our complete calendar page!

(Western Grebe, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

DROP-IN CHESS: 4:30-5:30 pm at High Point Library, kids/teens welcome, all skill levels. You’ll find chess sets and guidance from an adult chess coach. Free. (35th SW/SW Henderson)

BRIEFING/Q&A ON JUNCTION-AREA REZONING: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center/Sisson Building, as previewed here – tonight’s Junction Neighborhood Organization meeting is the first time a city staffer will be presenting a briefing and Q&A on one of the draft rezoning maps made public last month as part of the mayor’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. (4217 SW Oregon)

HOPE LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm, all prospective Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor) families are welcome to visit this open house “to learn more about our academics, specialists, sports, and extracurricular activities.”

FUTURE COLLEGE STUDENT IN THE FAMILY? 6:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, financial planner Albert Israel presents a free college admissions/financial aid workshop. RSVP requested – 206-926-5398 or timothy.r.walsh@ampf.com. (2306 42nd SW)

WSCPC CANCELLATION REMINDER: As mentioned last night, this month’s West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting is canceled; next scheduled meeting, January 17th.

LIVE MUSIC: Jukehouse Hounds, 8 pm at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

SEEN THE WSB WEST SEATTLE HOLIDAY GUIDE YET? Much more to be added, but there’s plenty in it already – so browse westseattleblog.com/holidayguide when you get a chance. And if you are planning a public holiday-season event, now through New Year’s, please send the info ASAP – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and newly launched West Seattle Holiday Guide:

STUDENT WALKOUT: Multiple schools around the city plan a student walkout at 1:30 pm today. Locally, Chief Sealth International High School is the only local school announced as participating, as reported here on Friday night. A citywide announcement this morning says Garfield, Nova, Franklin, the Center School, and UW are also participating. A 2:30 pm rally at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill is planned as a followup, and then a 4:15 pm rally at Westlake Park downtown.

PHYSICAL THERAPY NIGHT: 5:30 pm at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor), a free one-to-one injury assessment with Biojunction Sports Therapy. (2743 California SW)

NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, NDNC’s Michael Taylor-Judd says, “we will be discussing long term plans for the Council and a number of other groups and issues affecting our neighborhood.” All welcome. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm, stories, songs, rhymes, and more at High Point Library, for children of all ages. (35th SW/SW Raymond)

QUIZ NIGHT: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DADS’ BOOK CLUB: Second weekly meeting for this new group, 8:30 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club. Here’s how to get involved. (12th SW/SW Holden)

(Harlequin ducks, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and newly launched Holiday Guide, highlights for today/tonight:

CURIOUS KIDSTUFF ONE-DAY SALE: West Seattle’s one and only toy store offers you a deal today – it’s a one-day sale at Curious Kidstuff (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, 10 am-5 pm, 15 percent off. (4740 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Year-round in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

BOOK DONATIONS: As previewed here last night, the Chief Sealth Key Club welcomes donations of children’s books (particularly kindergarten-4th grade reading level) 10 am-2 pm at the West Seattle Kiwanis booth at the Farmers’ Market. (California SW just north of SW Alaska)

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: 11 am-2 pm, the three-day show/sale concludes at Fauntleroy Church‘s Fellowship Hall. Participating artists are listed here. (9140 California SW)

BENEFIT BOOK SIGNING: As previewed here, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle pastor Ron Marshall signs his new book “Kierkegaard in the Pulpit: Sermons Inspired by His Writings.” Benefit for West Seattle Helpline and West Seattle Food Bank. (4105 California SW)

METROPOLITAN MARKET THANKSGIVING TASTE: 1-4 pm at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor): “Taste our delicious fully-cooked Thanksgiving meal from our deli, with a variety of sides and desserts.” (41st/42nd/Admiral)

SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: Grief-support program at Grace Church, 2-4 pm; details in our calendar listing. (10323 28th SW)

BRAZILIAN MUSIC … with Choro Tocando at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

POLISH PIANO FESTIVAL: Three pianists perform Polish piano music, 3 pm in Olympic Hall at the south end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), presented by Music Northwest. (6000 16th SW)

CLASSICAL CONCERT: Free concert by the Ladies’ Musical Club, music for flute, soprano, and piano, 3-4 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library. (2306 42nd SW)

AND MORE … on our complete calendar page.

(Photo by David Hutchinson, looking toward downtown back on our foggy Thursday)

The holiday season revs up with shopping and donation opportunities, among the events on our calendar-highlights list for today/tonight, including:

STANDING ROCK DONATION DROPOFF & CARAVAN MEETING The West Seattleites taking donations to the ongoing Standing Rock Sioux-led pipeline-route protest will be at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation again 8 am-noon today (7141 California SW). And for those who have asked about a possible caravan, as mentioned in this followup, the donation-drive organizers will be at Uptown Espresso in The Junction 5-6 pm tonight (4301 SW Edmunds) for anyone interested in discussing it.

GREEN SEATTLE DAY: 9 am, volunteer to plant trees! West Seattle locations this year include Camp Long, the event hub (5200 35th SW), as well as Longfellow Creek and Orchard Street Ravine.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR AT HPIC: 10 am-3 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, more than 20 local vendors at the annual holiday bazaar. Food and drink (the bar’s open!) too. And Highland Park hoodies/T-shirts are on sale. (12th SW/SW Holden)

SHOREWOOD PTA HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm holiday bazaar at Shorewood Elementary, including Santa photos. (2725 SW 116th)

TURKEY DONATIONS: 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor), you can donate a turkey and/or turkey-buying $ to the West Seattle Food Bank, which is hoping to help more than 300 local families have a happy Thanksgiving. (4201 SW Morgan)

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: 10 am-4 pm at the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, it’s day two of the show and sale featuring area artists/craftspersons (listed here). Free admission. (9140 California SW)

SOUTHWEST SEATTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING: 10:30 am at the Providence Mount St. Vincent Chapel, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society gathers for its annual meeting. Business (including board/trustee voting and approval of bylaws amendments) is part of it but the setting will be the subject of a special presentation:

Sister Charlotte Van Dyke will tell the story (with PowerPoint) “Sisters of Providence Come to the West and the Early Beginnings of Providence Mount St. Vincent.” SWSHS executive director Clay Eals says, “We welcome non-members, and while we encourage them to become members (which they can do at the meeting), it isn’t necessary to be a member to attend.” (4831 35th SW)

‘RACE: THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION’: West Seattle Meaningful Movies, Reel Grrls, YUIR, and DNDA co-host this half-day film screening and interactive discussion about race. The film “Race: The Power of an Illusion” will be shown in three parts, with discussions after each one, and a community dinner by FEEST afterward. 1-6 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

METROPOLITAN MARKET HOLIDAY SIDES TASTE: 3-6 pm at Metropolitan Market-Admiral (WSB sponsor). “Taste our pre-made options for the perfect sides for your holiday meal.” (41st/42nd/Admiral)

HOLIDAY CONCERT AND BAZAAR: 4-7 pm at Breath of Life Church, 3rd annual Holiday Concert and Bazaar features “live musical performances by the Celestial Ringers handbell choir as well as other talented musicians and vocalists from around the Pacific NW. Following the concert there’s food, bake-sale desserts, and a variety of unique crafts and gift items – all available to purchase.” (9807 26th SW)

HIGH POINT FAMILY FEST: 4:30-7 pm party and potluck at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center – details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way)

WSCO GALA: Doors open at 6 pm at Alki Masonic Center for the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ fundraising dinner and auction, with entertainment including the West Seattle Big Band. Our calendar listing has full details including how to check if there’s still room. (40th SW/SW Edmundsd)

BEER CHURCH TURKEY BOWL & IPA RELEASE: 6-9 pm at West Seattle Bowl, the Beer Church‘s annual nonprofit-benefiting bowling party is sold out but you are invited to stop by to drink the new benefit Beer Church India Pale Ale that’s being released, while cheering on the bowlers. Details in our calendar listing. (39th SW/SW Oregon)

OLG CYO ITALIAN DINNER: 6:30 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center, fundraising dinner for OLG’s CYO sports programs. More info in our calendar listing, including how to check ASAP if there’s still room left. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)

ROO FORREST AND FRIENDS: “Eclectic blend of originals and covers” at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE: 9 pm at Parliament Tavern, in honor of Neil Young‘s (71st) birthday. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

We were asked about a “loud boom” heard in the 35th/Avalon vicinity after 2 am. Mystery to us until we received this e-mail from another area resident:

It’s about 2 am right now and a few moments ago, I heard a loud bang. I looked out my window (down onto SW Avalon Way) and saw two individuals (one male and one female both in their teens or 20’s) walking along the sidewalk. The male was actively trying to conceal something in his jacket. I saw a cloud of smoke move along the street. The two walked further down SW Avalon Way and then stopped and I promptly saw sparks light up on a tree. Shortly after, sparks flew out like fireworks. The two continued walking down SW Avalon Way.

Yes, that IS something to report to 911. Whether or not they have an officer to send out, at least the information could solve the mystery for other callers.