West Seattle Blog…

Reader report: Teen finds ‘mystery gift’ on West Seattle bench

Out of the WSB inbox tonight, that photo and this note:

My name is Gabriella and I am 15 years old. I wanted to share my experience because I found it touching and very sweet.

While on a bike ride to take photos today, I found a gift sitting on a bench with a note attached that read “To the finder of this gift” overlooking the Seattle skyline near Salty’s.

I sat on the bench and opened the card, which was from a woman remembering her younger sister today, which would have been her 59th birthday. The woman shared her younger sister’s interests, accomplishments and love of life, and how she died suddenly in 2001 due to a pulmonary embolism from a foot injury. The gift was left at this location because her sister’s ashes were scattered on Alki and she loved the view of the skyline.

In the letter, the writer asked the finder of the gift to please express their love to those they care about. She also said that she learned that “all our love, memories, and connections are still there as true and strong as ever” even after death. The writer expressed her deep love for her sister and that the best parts of her are still with her.

I hope the writer of this letter sees this and knows how much it touched me.

P.S. The gift was a LED head lamp for riding and was with a card that read, “May a luminous dream light the way.”

Thank you, Gabriella

From the Legislature: Marriage-equality passes State Senate

In case you haven’t heard – the marriage-equality bill has just passed the State Senate, 28-21, and now goes to the State House. It was announced at the Southwest District Council meeting that we’re currently covering at South Seattle Community College – and generated a round of applause. Our state would become the 7th to legalize same-sex marriage; more from our partners at the Seattle Times.

ADDED 8:33 PM: Local leaders are starting to share their reaction – first, West Seattle-residing King County Executive Dow Constantine – read on: Click to read the rest of From the Legislature: Marriage-equality passes State Senate…

One-Night Count results: 2,594 without shelter countywide

9:38 AM: Between 2 and 5 am today, in below-freezing weather, 800 volunteers roamed King County for the annual One-Night Count of people sleeping outdoors. The results just announced: 2,594 men, women, and children were counted, “a small increase over those found without shelter last year,” according to the official post-count announcement, which explains that volunteers “counted people trying to survive in cars, tents, all night buses, select hospitals, or curled up in blankets under bridges or in doorways.” Guidelines for public discussion of the count do not allow specific locations to be reported, so we don’t know at this point if they visited the Nickelsville encampment in Highland Park, where one WSB Forums member who is a frequent visitor told us 90 people were staying as of a recent count. Last year’s countywide total was 2,442, and organizers also say it is perennially “an undercount of people without shelter on this night. Counters can reach only a portion of the geographic area of the county, and many homeless people sleep in hard-to-reach places.”

2:59 PM UPDATE: Here’s a breakdown of this morning’s count. There is no West Seattle category, but the list does mention 55 people counted in White Center.

West Seattle Cub Scouts meet the mayor – and Brian!

Big night for the Cub Scouts of Pack 793 Den 4, sponsored by Holy Rosary Parish. 14 Tiger Scouts visited Emmy Award-winning West Seattle journalist Brian Callanan, who is host of “Ask the Mayor” on the Seattle Channel. Top photo shows Brian leading the scouts on a tour of the cable channel’s HQ. Then – it was “Ask the Mayor” night, on TV, and for the scouts:

(Back row, Den Leaders left to right: Charles Guzek, Brian Christenson, Patrick Quinn. Front row, Scouts left to right: Augie Herrin, Brody Olson, Jake Beardemphl, CJ Guzek, Ben Leonardo, Charlie Bendzak, Jack Cahill, PJ Barton, Jack Christenson, Henry Ament, Kaeden Quinn, Ryder Mackay, Carter Joy)
Brian Christenson, who shared the photos, picks up the story:

After the tour of the station, Brian Callanan escorted the scouts to the mayor’s office for an in-depth interview to get answers to what the 6 and 7-year-old kids in West Seattle want to know. The mayor was extremely engaged and wanted to make sure that all scouts had their questions answered. Questions ranged from “whether the mayor was right-handed or left-handed” to “what sports he liked to play.” The mayor stated that he enjoys biking, sea kayaking and basketball. And although he is right-handed, he is adept at shooting a basketball with either hand. The most hard hitting question came from 6 year old CJ Guzek, who wanted to know if the mayor got his wife’s bike back that was stolen last year. The answer unfortunately was ‘no.’ When discussions turned to the recent storms and the mayors handling of the event, the scouts were very positive about the event. However, the 6 year old scouts were more excited about schools being closed and getting to stay at home and play in the snow.

Bottom line: Mayor McGinn is very scout-friendly and and the scouts had a great experience with Brian Callanan and Mayor McGinn. Thank you to both!

Marriage equality: West Seattle leaders on State Legislature majority

You may have heard the news from Olympia – the State Legislature now has the votes to pass legislation that would make Washington the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage. (Here are details from our partners at the Seattle Times.) West Seattle’s legislators support it, and so do other local political leaders. Read on for what they have to say: Click to read the rest of Marriage equality: West Seattle leaders on State Legislature majority…

‘Thanks, dinner angel’: Random act of West Seattle kindness

Just received this from Meighan:

I wanted to share this story with you, as it made a profound impact on my family and is such a cool representation of the community we live in here in West Seattle.

Tonight we were at dinner at Elliott Bay Brewing Company. It was a celebratory dinner of sorts, as my husband was back from a long weekend away with his family on the east coast. We were all really excited to see him, and I was also thrilled for dinner out after juggling a day of work and school cancellations without him.

We had a great dinner sharing stories of the weekend snow, sledding, and friends, a dinner that was made even sweeter by the news we received when we asked for our check. A woman who was sitting at the table next to us, who wished to remain anonymous, had paid for our dinner. We were floored. I mean what an amazing surprise.

My eight-year-old son Brendan then exclaimed, “Wow, there are some really nice people in this world.”

I am so thankful to that individual, not just for our dinner, but for showing my kids what it means to be generous and to spread happiness in such a cool, meaningful, and unexpected way.

We will certainly be spreading the love as a result and I hope this story inspires others to do the same. Unexpected, random acts of kindness can have a profound impact and are infectious.

Thank you, dinner angel!

Reminded us of this story from earlier this month.

Sacrifices honored as Vietnamese Cultural Center memorial is dedicated in West Seattle

Story and photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The afternoon sun broke through the clouds just in time for Saturday’s dedication of the Fallen Soldiers Memorial at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center, honoring both Vietnamese and American soldiers lost while fighting for that nation’s freedom.

Around 70 people, bundled up against the cold, showed up for the ceremony, which was presented in both Vietnamese and English. The dedication was held Saturday to commemorate the invasion of Vietnam’s Paracel Islands by the Chinese in January of 1974.

Veteran Vietnamese military leaders involved in the action were present, including Naval Lt. Commander Sai Nguyen (far right in photo), who gave a speech honoring those lost.

The ceremony included traditional drumming, a processional carrying names and photos of fallen soldiers, national-anthem salutes, offerings of burning incense, and speeches.

Click to read the rest of Sacrifices honored as Vietnamese Cultural Center memorial is dedicated in West Seattle…

Reminder: Memorial next Saturday for Cheryl Colehour

The family of Cheryl Colehour, whose cancer fight ended last November with her untimely death at age 45, wanted to remind the community that her memorial is now less than a week away. Cheryl’s husband Tom Humphreys shared the flyer they have produced, which also invites those who knew and loved Cheryl to share memories online here, for a memory book that is in the works. Her memorial is next Saturday, January 21, 1 pm, at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7141 California SW, with a reception afterward.

Benefit cat adopt-a-thon continues Sunday; 1st day a success

At Kitty Harbor late this afternoon, the first day of a special cat adopt-a-thon wrapped up, with distinguished visitors – with KH founder Delyn Kosbab (left) and Furry Faces Foundation’s Teri Ensley (right), that’s one of them, King County Executive Dow Constantine, holding Patches the cat. Patches, an 11-year-old tortoiseshell, is one of two-dozen-plus cats who will be awaiting you at Kitty Harbor tomorrow. (By 4 pm today, more than 30 already had found new homes!) The adopt-a-thon is also a benefit on behalf of Teri, whose home caught fire this past Monday (WSB coverage here). All but one of her personal and rescue cats is OK, but she is mourning Pouncer, who didn’t make it; otherwise, Teri told us, she’s doing better, and very thankful to everyone who has reached out to help. (Even the clothes she’s wearing are thanks to folks who are helping.) Constantine is a longtime animal advocate – not to mention companion of two rescue cats – and was there not just to show support for Teri, but also for King County Regional Animal Services, which helped with the event:

As terrific as Kitty Harbor is (helping 575 cats find homes this past season!), he noted, it would be great if there was less need for volunteers and private nonprofits to shelter and help so many homeless cats – and there’s an easy way to help that become reality:

(Side note – Constantine and partner Shirley Carlson stopped at Kitty Harbor while heading back from an event at the University of Washington at which local Japanese-American World War II heroes were honored, including two from West Seattle; more on that later.)

The Kitty Harbor adopt-a-thon – which is happening outside the timeframe of the facility’s normal adoption season – continues noon-6 pm tomorrow at 3422 Harbor Avenue SW. Meantime, the latest on assistance for Teri, her cats, and Furry Faces is here (including a “mini-pub crawl” in Morgan Junction Thursday night).

January 21st memorial for lifelong West Seattleite Jack Hanning

One week from today, family and friends will gather to remember lifelong West Seattleite Jack Hanning. His family shares this remembrance:

Jack Hanning
“Maui Jack”
3/24/25-1/7/12

Jack was born in Seattle to Jack and Irene Hanning. He was a lifelong resident of West Seattle and graduated in ‘43 from West Seattle High School.

Jack joined the Sea Scouts and sailed on the Yankee Clipper; later in life, he served on the Sea Scout Foundation.

He volunteered for the U.S. Navy Submarine Service during WWII and served on the Pogy SS266 from ’43-‘46. In ‘47, Jack married Bettie McCoy, and they celebrated their 64th anniversary last June 14th. He graduated from the U of W in ’53, then worked for Benton Realty before opening Hanning Realty in ’56. Later he added Olympic Escrow. After 50 years in the business, he closed his office in ‘06.

Click to read the rest of January 21st memorial for lifelong West Seattleite Jack Hanning…

‘Toys and food’: West Seattle photographer Christopher Boffoli opens exhibition

Story and event photos by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

“Toys and food — everybody gets that,” says longtime WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli of his photographic series featuring food and tiny human figurines. It’s making a splash worldwide and here at home, as an exhibition titled “Big Appetites” opened at a downtown gallery.

Christopher’s show at Winston Wachter Fine Art began with an artist reception last night. Inspired by media depictions of tiny people, from “Gulliver’s Travels” to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” he’s been playing with the imagery concept for the past few years, but it’s only in the past few months that their popularity has “exploded” — especially internationally, since a first wave of European interest last spring.

“The ‘tiny things’ fascination crosses cultures,” says Christopher. “There’s a God-like feeling that comes from playing with small toys. The size disparity draws people into a different world.” Christopher’s photos will soon be showing in galleries in London, Brazil, and Monaco.

Click to read the rest of ‘Toys and food’: West Seattle photographer Christopher Boffoli opens exhibition…

‘Fact-finding, conversation stage’: Family Promise, post-closure

Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A continuing passion for helping homeless families drew more than 30 attendees to an “exploratory, fact-finding” meeting Monday night at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) by members of the board of Family Promise of Seattle, the shelter program that recently closed.

Representatives from a wide network of churches and non-profit groups, many of whom had worked with Family Promise, shared their questions, concerns, ideas and enthusiasm. People representing Alki UCC, Admiral UCC, Fauntleroy UCC, Hope Lutheran, Operation Nightwatch, Union Gospel Mission, Church of Mary Magdalene, Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Catholic Community Services, and two Queen Anne churches (among others) were among others at the meeting interested in listening and speaking with the FP board members about possible solutions and synergies to provide services to more homeless families in the future.

The rate of families becoming homeless continues to rise. Mary’s Place, a downtown day shelter that provides services for homeless women and children, has seen a staggering 300% increase in families coming through their door in 2011. A speaker from Hope Lutheran stated they “would like to continue helping in the format we have been helping in. 100 families were helped in West Seattle at Christmas; 1 in 5 of those families were homeless. We had families who were in a tent city, others were living in their cars. I hope we can continue to be helping keep families intact.”

Click to read the rest of ‘Fact-finding, conversation stage’: Family Promise, post-closure…

A West Seattle lost/found story with a happy – and honest! – ending

What would you do if you found cash just lying out in the open, absolutely no hint as to who had lost (or left) it there?

Times are tough. You can imagine that many might at least fleetingly consider keeping it.

But a WSB reader we’ll call Texasgirl – her Forums handle – decided to find the owner of the cash she and her boyfriend discovered. She e-mailed us:

My boyfriend & I were out walking (Sunday) afternoon at about 1 PM, and we found quite a bit of cash laying on the sidewalk on Admiral, on the bridge over Fairmount Avenue … It’s enough money that we’re sure the rightful owner is missing it. These are tough times for many out there, and we know this could be someone’s grocery money or rent money. If someone can identify the amount and denominations, we’d like to arrange to return the money to them. If the rightful owner isn’t located, we’re planning to donate the cash to a worthwhile charity.

We e-mailed back to suggest they contact police, and post in the WSB Forums, where lost/found notices are welcome (aside from pets, which have their own page). So they did. And it worked. Click to read the rest of A West Seattle lost/found story with a happy – and honest! – ending…

West Seattle weekend scene: Birthday giving, not getting

It’s not every day you see a six-year-old get excited about diapers; by that age, they’re a distant memory. But they were atop the wishlist for Grayson‘s sixth birthday party today at Southgate Roller Rink – he wanted to collect diapers for WestSide Baby instead of gifts for himself. His mom Meredith says they collected about 30 packages!

(You can help WestSide Baby any time – here are all the regular ways, and then there’s also one big, fun way coming up next month, their annual tea, moved to a bigger location this year so there’s room for more to be part of it; here’s our preview from last week.)

Followup: Looks like Amy is keeping ‘Arlene’ the cat

Three weeks ago, we published the tale of Amy the West Seattleite and Arlene the one-eyed cat. Amy had contacted us to add Arlene – the name she had given her – to the WSB Lost/Found Pets page, explaining she had found the cat a month earlier, in bad shape. After Arlene healed, Amy thought she had better do due diligence to see if the original owner was out there somewhere. We checked back to see how that went:

So far, Amy has not heard from Arlene’s previous owner, nor anyone with even a lead. She said, “I got TONS of e-mails back from people, all supportive and loving, and I did get some donations via pay-pal (which were very much appreciated!) But no one has said anything about recognizing Arlene or knowing who she belonged to. I must say, I’m relieved.” (Amy hadn’t asked for donations, but in the comment section following the first story, folks asked how they could help, since it was clear Arlene’s medical bills had cost a chunk of change.) Arlene has her own Facebook page, by the way; see it here.

Sealth student organizing benefit for Nicaragua hurricane victims

That’s TONNULL, one of three bands – along with One Class Lady and Echo9 – ready to rock Youngstown Cultural Arts Center this Saturday as a benefit for hurricane victims in Nicaragua. Desiree e-mailed to let us know about the concert, which she says is Chief Sealth International High School student Kathryn Purcell‘s senior project. The concert is set for 7:30-11 pm January 7 at Youngstown, admission $7, benefiting the rural Nicaraguan community of El Quebrachal, where Hurricane Rina caused major damage to homes and school facilities earlier this fall. Find more information on this Facebook page set up for Kathryn’s project.

Want to be more helpful in 2012? Chance to mentor new moms/dads

The early weeks/months of parenthood can be scary as well as joyful – suddenly you’re responsible for a little person who depends completely on you. If you’re up for helping brand-new parents get through that time, here’s your chance. Just received from Martha:

PEPS is looking for group leaders for Newborn Groups in West Seattle. Now that the holidays are over, please consider leading a PEPS Group! We have new parents anxiously awaiting the start of their groups – if you remember how valuable your own PEPS experience was, please consider volunteering to lead a PEPS Group in West Seattle. PEPS provides the training and materials. You can also co-lead with a friend to divide up the time commitment! For more information, see our website, and/or contact our Volunteer Manager, Cate Palmer, directly at catep@peps.org. We would love to hear from you ASAP!

1 meeting that IS happening today: West Seattle Cooking Club

If you’ve ever wanted to check out the West Seattle Cooking Club – which was featured here last summer – but just couldn’t get to one of their Monday afternoon meeting, today might be your chance. 2 pm, Beveridge Place Pub. They’ll be choosing the “themes” for their next few months of meetings; today’s theme is Latin, according to the WSCC Facebook page.

Another holiday gift for Nickelsville: Volunteers’ visit

New haircuts to start the New Year. That’s part of what volunteers organized by Vietnamese Cultural Center director Lee Bui brought to the “Nickelsville” encampment in West Seattle today, along with donated food and clothing. Above, Renton hairstylist Van; below, Nga Ngo:

Volunteers promised they’d return, after a Thanksgiving visit with free flu shots as well as food (WSB coverage here). Here’s most of today’s group:

While there, we also found a second group of volunteers, who came to the encampment to offer a New Year’s Day barbecue:

What the New Year will bring for Nickelsville isn’t clear, as their status on this city-owned land remains tenuous. Though Mayor McGinn said after the encampment’s return last spring that he didn’t plan to evict them as his predecessor had three years earlier, the city also is not moving toward granting a request for utility hookups, as discussed at last month’s Highland Park Action Committee meeting (WSB coverage here).

2 days to go after 47 years: Barber John Burmaz says ‘thanks’

(Photo by Kevin McClintic: At right, John Burmaz with longtime client John Jardine)
The New Year will bring a big change for a West Seattle barber who’s heading out of the business after almost half a century. Today is the second-to-last day of barbering for John Burmaz, whose “significant other” Jeannette Eshom shares this announcement:

END OF AN ERA! John Burmaz of the Alki Style and Barber Shop at 5040 California Avenue SW (across from the Rite Aid drugstore) is retiring after 47 years of barbering in West Seattle. His last day of work is December 31, 2011.

John started barbering at George’s Barber Shop, across from the Admiral Theater, on August 25, 1964. One year later, George sold the barber shop and John worked for the new owners, Don Jahnke and Martin Picinich, for four years. On the 18th of March 1969, John bought a barber shop from Arthur Buffington, a retiring barber, on Alki Beach. He barbered in that location until the 12th of December 1989, when the building was sold to Pegasus Pizza. He relocated to his current location, barbering another 22 years.

John wishes to thank his customers, past and present, for all their support through the years. He will miss interacting with his customers. At 70 years of age, he plans to enjoy winters in Arizona and summers in Seattle, as well as traveling and enjoying visits with his children and grandchildren.

Customers won’t have to look far for another barber, as the Classic Barber Shop is taking over John’s shop on January 1, 2012.

Might be a hard act to follow; Kevin McClintic, who took the photo you see above while visiting John for one last haircut on Thursday, said the longtime barber told him that when things get busy, he can do five haircuts an hour!

Giving the gift of hair: Local siblings give to Locks of Love

Perry told the story of the Locks of Love donations made by his kids, Sanislo Elementary students, in the WSB Forums. Above is his son Jesse‘s “after” photo. Here’s “before”:

Perry explains:

He was in first grade and I had read somewhere that reading things other then books to kids can help them see the importance of reading so I’d share a WSB article with him if I thought he might like it. One of the first articles I shared with him was this one about 3 boys in a higher grade at Sanislo that donated their hair. He asked me some questions about why they were donating their hair and why other kids need a wig and I explained it to him and he said he wanted to grow his hair to donate as well. The longer hair has been a challenge for him because of baseball, soccer, and swimming. Now that he’s done it, he’s talking about growing it back to donate again.

And, Perry says, Jesse inspired his sibling:

His sister’s name is Jennie and she is in K at Sanislo. The photo of her was from the beginning of the school year. When she was getting her hair cut we asked her if she wanted a trim or to donate her hair like her brother is doing and she opted to donate.

You can find out more about donating at locksoflove.org; some hair salons offer free cuts for donors – check with your favorite.

West Seattle Eagles announce memorial for Linda Crank

From the West Seattle Eagles, who are mourning their Madam President, Linda Crank:

In Loving Memory of Linda Crank.

Please join us for a memorial service to honor Linda Crank, a friend, sister, colleague, and active volunteer in her community.

The service will be held at the West Seattle Eagles Hall on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm. The service will conclude with a potluck affair.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities that Linda supported: Stan Murray Kidney Fund or Breast Cancer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Suzanne Gutierrez directly by phone (206.890.2461) or e-mail at k.suzannegutierrez@gmail.com

Fraternal Order of Eagles
West Seattle
Aerie/Auxiliary 2643
4426 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116
www.westseattleeagles.org

West Seattle holiday scene: Neighborhood carolers

Random acts of holidayness! Thanks to Timothy for sharing video of the carolers who turned up in his neighborhood (Fairmount Park area) Friday night. (P.S. Not related to this that we know of, but from the WSB Holidays page, there are two scheduled caroling appearances in West Seattle today – 11 am-2 pm at California/Alaska in The Junction, and at Westwood Village, 11:30 am-1:30 pm.)

Video: West Seattle man honored tonight for Bellevue heroism

(Tonight’s photos/video by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
West Seattle residents Gary Elbaum (above left) and Todd Metter were part of a celebration tonight in Bellevue – in honor of a life they both helped save there back in October. It happened here:

(October 2011 photo courtesy Bellevue FD)
Elbaum, who works for T-Mobile on the Eastside, was one of three bystanders who sprung to action after 59-year-old Gary Farer suffered cardiac arrest while driving that day. He and one of the others, Dominic Dimino - a fellow T-Mobile worker he’d never met – explained tonight how it unfolded (Elbaum is on the left):

They and the third bystander-turned-rescuer, David Howe, who helped them get Farer out of his locked car, received the Citizens’ Award of Merit from Bellevue Fire Chief Michael Eisner tonight in a ceremony at Bellevue Fire Station 2.

Farer, the rescued man, was there too (on the left). Todd Metter’s role? He is a Bellevue paramedic and that day was a vital part of what they call the “Chain of Survival.” Farer received 45 minutes of continuous CPR, and yet, BFD says, “survived with no long-lasting neurologic deficits.”

Remembering longtime West Seattle resident Lois Baldwin

Lois Baldwin lived a life of education – given and received – as well as creativity and adventure, as detailed in this remembrance shared by her niece, Vicki Burr-Chellin:

Lois Elaine Baldwin, former English teacher and guidance counselor at Evergreen High School from 1955-1976, died peacefully on December 11, 2011 in West Seattle.

Miss Baldwin was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1920 in Winlock, WA to Lee Ernest Baldwin and Yola Barrett Baldwin, both from pioneer families. (She claimed to love pumpkin pie because her mother had been eating pie on the day she was born.) The Baldwins moved to Oregon. where their father owned timber and operated a sawmill and their mother was a career public-school teacher, and they raised 4 children.

Miss Baldwin graduated high school in Cottage Grove, OR; she received her BA in Education from the University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (1944); and her MA in Education (English Literature) from the Colorado State College of Education at Greeley, CO (1955). She was a published poet and a student and teacher of Shakespeare. Her published poem in Poems of the Beaver State 1948, A Thanksgiving Prayer follows:

God
Grant that there be
Quietness
Within my soul,
I pray –
Calm, cool strength that
Lends a peace
To this – Thanksgiving Day.

And – then – dear Lord,
Let there be
Love
And with it
Faith to know
That by this quality we live
And by this Truth
We grow.

Click to read the rest of Remembering longtime West Seattle resident Lois Baldwin…

West Seattle schools: Explorer West, Chief Sealth award-winners

Two schools are celebrating award-winning students’ arts achievements tonight. First, from Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor):

The photo showing some of the Explorer West seventh-graders in the drama program is from Amy, and the report of two student honorees is from Alice:

On Monday night, two seventh grade students from West Seattle’s Explorer West Middle School won prestigious awards from the ACT Theater Young Playwrights Program.

For the past ten weeks, EWMS seventh graders have been working with ACT Theater Young Playwrights Program in the schools. Across Seattle 400 students submitted plays, in hopes of their play being selected for a production at ACT Theater. EWMS was one of two middle schools invited to participate in a mostly high-school-based contest with sixteen schools in Puget Sound, The Young Playwrights Festival. The top 47 plays were honored with an honorable mention and eight were selected for a full production at ACT THeater.

Winning in the top eight was seventh-grade student and lifelong West Seattle resident, twelve-year-old Finnley Kafer for her play, “The Trial of the Wolf and the Three Little Pigs”. Her play will be produced March 15 through 17 at ACT Theater.

Earning an Honorable mention was seventh-grader Jackson Rockowitz for his play, “The Epic Story of Snuffles the Goat Farmer.”

Meantime, Chief Sealth International High School student Pazuzu Jindrich, 15, won a contest for her banner design commemorating Human Rights Day (which was December 10th).

The folks at PugetSoundOff.org held the contest and say Pazuzu was chosen the winner from among more than 125 entries! Listen to her explain it in this short video clip:

As you can see in the video – Pazuzu won a Kindle for her award-winning design.

Video: Caspar Babypants & Kate Endle’s ‘booksinging’

No, that’s not a typo in our headline – when we stopped by CAPERS in The Junction just before musician Caspar Babypants and artist Kate Endle started their 11 am appearance, we asked about the order of events – music, then reading, then signing, or? “We’re singing the books,” they explained, “so it’s a book ‘singing,’ then a book ‘signing’.” We’ll add video of the singing part when we’re back at HQ. You can find out more about their new books “Bunny Rabbit in the Sunlight” and “My Woodland Wish” here – they’ll be at CAPERS till noon or so.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Here’s the video, as promised. It begins with Caspar B explaining how he added the kids-music sideline to his rock ‘n’ roll career:

As Kate said in the comment section, pre-signed books are still available at CAPERS, among other items of hers.